Eyewear with touch-sensitive input surface

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, an eyewear for a user includes an eyewear frame, electrical circuitry at least partially in the eyewear frame, and a touch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the electrical circuitry to perform a function via touching the touch sensitive input surface. In another embodiment, the eyewear includes a switch with at least two operational states. The operational states of the switch can be configured to be changed by sliding a finger across the touch sensitive input surface of the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/803,732, filed Jul. 1, 2010, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH A PRINTEDCIRCUIT BOARD” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, whichin turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/546,685, filed Oct. 11, 2006, and entitled “EYEGLASSES HAVING ACAMERA” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which in turnis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/183,256, filed Jul. 15, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,747, andentitled “EYEGLASSES WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/964,011,filed Oct. 12, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,136, and entitled “TETHEREDELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference, which in turn claims priority to each of: (i) U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/509,631, filed Oct. 9, 2003, andentitled “TETHERED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,” which ishereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/527,565, filed Dec. 8, 2003, and entitled “ADAPTABLECOMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/562,798, filed Apr. 15, 2004, entitled “EYEWEAR WITHULTRAVIOLET DETECTION SYSTEM,” and which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference; (iv) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/583,169,filed Jun. 26, 2004, entitled “ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR USE WITHEYEWEAR, AND METHODS THEREFOR,” and which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference; (v) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/592,045,filed Jul. 28, 2004, entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH A CLOCK OR OTHERELECTRICAL COMPONENT,” and which is hereby incorporated herein byreference; and (vi) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/605,191,filed Aug. 28, 2004, entitled “ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR USE WITHEYEWEAR, AND METHODS THEREFOR,” and which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,256 also claims priority to eachof: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/618,107, filed Oct.12, 2004, and entitled “TETHERED ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,”which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/620,238, filed Oct. 18, 2004, entitled“EYEGLASSES WITH HEARING ENHANCED AND OTHER AUDIO SIGNAL-GENERATINGCAPABILITIES,” and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference;(iii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/647,836, filed Jan. 31,2005, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH HEART RATE MONITOR,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; and (iv) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/647,826, filed Jan. 31, 2005, and entitled “EYEWEARWITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/546,685 also claims priority to eachof: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/725,896, filed Oct.11, 2005, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which ishereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/725,999, filed Oct. 11, 2005, and entitled “EYEWEARSUPPORTING AFTER-MARKET ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/787,850, filed Apr. 1, 2006, and entitled “EYEGLASSESWITH A HEART RATE MONITOR,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference; and (iv) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/846,150,filed Sep. 20, 2006, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH ACTIVITY MONITORING,”which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, this application is related to each of: (i) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/822,218, filed Apr. 12, 2004, and entitled“EYEGLASSES FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/964,011,filed Oct. 12, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,136, and entitled “TETHEREDELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/006,343,filed Dec. 7, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,116,976, and entitled “ADAPTABLECOMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/078,855, filed Mar. 11, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,746, andentitled “EYEWEAR WITH RADIATION DETECTION SYSTEM,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/078,857, filed Mar. 11, 2005, and entitled “RADIATION MONITORINGSYSTEM,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (vi) U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/183,269, filed Jul. 15, 2005 now U.S.Pat. No. 7,380,936, and entitled “EYEWEAR SUPPORTING AFTER-MARKETELECTRICAL COMPONENTS,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference; (vii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,283, filed Jul.15, 2005, and entitled “EVENT EYEGLASSES,” which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (viii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,262,filed Jul. 15, 2005, and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH HEARING ENHANCED ANDOTHER AUDIO SIGNAL-GENERATING CAPABILITIES,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; (ix) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/183,263, filed Jul. 15, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,936, andentitled “EYEGLASSES WITH A CLOCK OR OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENT,” whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference; (x) U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/183,276, filed Jul. 15, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,437,and entitled “EYEGLASSES WITH ACTIVITY MONITORING,” which is herebyincorporated herein by reference; and (xi) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11,580,222, filed Oct. 11, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,833, andentitled “EYEGLASSES SUPPORTING AFTER MARKET ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS”,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to glasses and more particularlyto glasses with embedded electrical components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many of us have experienced the inconvenience of trying to listen to apiece of music from a portable device in an outdoor environment,particularly in cold weather. First, we remove the device from insideour jacket. Then, we take off our gloves to find the right song, connectthe device to a headset, and put on the headset. After we have finishedlistening, we go through the process again to put the device back intoour jacket. To a certain degree, we are somewhat used to suchprocedures. However, to look at this objectively, going through themulti-step process just to listen to a piece of music is cumbersome.Such inconvenient procedures are not limited to hearing music. Forexample, it may not be much easier for us to use the cell phones orcameras and the like.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that there is still a need toincrease the ease of handling electronic devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pair of glasses with one or moreembedded or partially embedded electrical components. In a number of theembodiments of the invention, with one or more electrical components inthe glasses, the electrical components are much easier to operate. Forexample, you do not have to take an electronic device out from yourpocket to use it. The electronic device may already be in your glasses,and you just have to turn it on.

In one embodiment, an eyewear for a user includes an eyewear frame; afirst switch at the frame, the first switch having at least twooperational states, and the operational states of the switch beingconfigured to be changed by a user touching a surface of the frame,without moving any mechanical part at least partially exposed to theoutside of the frame; and a first electrical component in the frameconfigured to be electrically coupled to the first switch to perform afunction.

In another embodiment, an eyewear for a user includes an eyewear frame,electrical circuitry at least partially in the eyewear frame, and atouch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to providean input to the electrical circuitry to perform a function via touchingthe touch sensitive input surface.

In yet another embodiment, an eyewear includes a switch with at leasttwo operational states. The operational states of the switch can beconfigured to be changed by sliding a finger across a touch sensitiveinput surface of the frame, without moving any mechanical part at leastpartially exposed to the outside of the frame. The embodiment could alsoinclude an electrical component in the frame configured to beelectrically coupled to the switch to perform a function.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates by way ofexample the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the invention with a speaker in one ofthe temples of the glasses.

FIG. 2 shows a tube extending from a speaker at a temple of the glassesto guide sound to one of the ears of the user according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a retractable tube extending from a speaker at a temple ofthe glasses according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a funnel at the output of a speaker in the glassesaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a male connector at the end of a temple according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a process to make a non-standard female plugcouple to a male connector at a pair of glasses according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates another non-standard connector, applicable to clamponto a temple of a pair of glasses according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 8A-8E shows different embodiments of standard connectors locatedat different positions on the temple of a pair of glasses according tothe invention.

FIGS. 8F-8H are diagrams pertaining to providing a removable electronicdevice with an eyeglass frame according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8I is a diagram of a temple of an eyeglass frame according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows some of the electrical components for a MP3 playeraccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention where a user is wearing apair of glasses with electrical components, tethered to a base, which isconnected to a portable device.

FIGS. 11A-11B show different embodiments of the present inventionillustrating some of the electrical components for wireless connectionsto a pair of glasses.

FIG. 12 shows a process for a personalized radio according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a number of attributes of control knobs according todifferent embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows some of the electrical components for capturing imageswith a pair of glasses according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 shows an operation of taking actions based on images capturedwith a pair of glasses with wireless transceiver capability according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows an operation to provide messages to a user based on imagescaptured by a pair of glasses according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17A is a chart that depicts examples of sensors in a pair ofglasses according to different embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17B is a diagram of a temple arrangement according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17C is a diagram of a cover that at least partially covers a templeaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17D is a diagram of a fit-over temple that at least partially fitsover a temple according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment including an eye mask according to theinvention.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment including a night cap according to theinvention.

FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a temple having a slot for receivinga removable electronic device according to one embodiment of theinvention

FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating the temple having a recessed lowerportion according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams illustrating a pair of glasses having acamera coupled thereto, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a pair of glasses having a camera according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23A is a diagram of a pair of glasses having a camera according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23B is a diagram of the pair of glasses according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a pair of eyeglasses according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 shows one embodiment of the invention with a speaker in one ofthe temples of a pair of glasses.

FIG. 26 shows a number of attributes regarding a number of applicationsof glasses according to different embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 27 shows some electrical components of a player according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a number of forces activating a switch according toa number of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 29 illustrates a number of mechanical forces activating a switchaccording to a number of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 30 shows a Hall-effect detector at a joint of a pair of glassesaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 31A-31C illustrate different embodiments of a quadrature sensoraccording to the invention.

Same numerals in FIGS. 1-31 are assigned to similar elements in all thefigures. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with referenceto FIGS. 1-31. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat the detailed description given herein with respect to these figuresis for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond theselimited embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A number of embodiments according to the present invention regardingglasses with one or more electrical components attached, partiallyembedded or fully embedded are described. Many of them are applicable todifferent types of glasses, such as sunglasses, auxiliary frames,fit-over glasses, prescription glasses, safety glasses, swim masks, andgoggles, such as ski goggles. In a number of embodiments, the frames ofthe glasses have more surface area than frames with minimal structure.For example, the temple regions of the glasses can have a taperedprofile. They are wider or broader when they are closer to the lensholders. Then they get narrower. In one embodiment, a wider or broadertemple implies that the temple spans across a wider or broader arealongitudinally down from the top of the head of the user. FIG. 1 showsan example of such an embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment 100 of the invention where there is aspeaker 102 at least partially embedded in one of the temples 104 of theglasses 106. The speaker 102 is closer to one end of the temple 104 thanthe other end. The end of the temple that the speaker 102 is closer tois the end that is in the vicinity of the lens holder or the hinge ofthe glasses 106, instead of the end 108 that is free. The speaker can bepartially embedded in the glasses. For example, the mouth of thespeaker, where sometimes there can be small holes on a cover, can beexposed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the speaker 102 outputs audio signalsin the direction towards the user. In another embodiment, the speaker102 outputs audio signals in the direction away from the user. Forexample, the mouth of the speaker 102 can be facing outwards away fromthe user.

There are different approaches to embed an electrical component into apair of glasses. For example, the glasses can be made of plastic (e.g.,plastic frames). One way to produce such frames is to first assembleelectrical components onto a circuit board. The circuit board can beshaped to fit, for example, the temple of the glasses. The circuit boardis placed into a mold. Then, hot, molten plastic is injected around thecircuit board to form the temple piece of the glasses. To reduce weight,the wall of the glasses can be made relatively thin through injectionmolding techniques.

In another embodiment, the glasses have metallic frames. For example,the frames can be made of Titanium, which is a relatively light metal.Also, Titanium is relatively non-conductive and strong, and is quiteimmune to corrosion. Further, Titanium can be anodized or heat colored.

For glasses with metallic frames, to prevent circuits from being shortedor to reduce leakage current, one embodiment provides an insulatinglayer between the electrical components or circuit board and themetallic frames. One example of an insulting layer is a tape toencapsulate the electrical components. The tape is non-conducting so asto provide insulation and, to a certain degree, can also providemechanical stiffness. One way to make such temples is to have two sheetsof the metal die-stamped to form the two halves, or the two faces of thetemple piece. A circuit board is made to fit into the space between thefaces. Then, two die-cut pieces of insulator material (e.g., dielectrictape) can cover the top and the bottom surfaces of the circuit board.The board is then sandwiched between the faces to form the temple. Inone example, the dielectric tape can be double-sided sticky tape, withone side sticking to the circuit board, and the other side sticking tothe temple. An adhesive can be used to glue the two faces of the templepiece together.

In yet another embodiment, the frames are made of hard rubber. Theframes can be manufactured in an approach similar to injection moldingtechniques, with circuit boards inserted into the mold along with therubber at the time of molding.

Different types of speakers can be used, such as, standard,fixed-magnet/moving coil speakers; speakers with fixed-coil and a steeldiaphragm; piezo-electric speakers; and electrostatic speakers.

In one embodiment, the glasses further include a tube, such as a plastictube, extending from a speaker. The tube serves to guide sound generatedby the speaker to one of the ears of the user. FIG. 2 shows anembodiment where a tube 150 is located on the outside of a temple 152.In another embodiment, the tube can be on the inside of a temple.

In one embodiment, the tube 150 can be rotated, such as from behind thetemple 152 (if the tube is on the inside of the temple) to beingdownward at an angle towards one of the ears of the user, such as theposition shown in FIG. 2. To increase flexibility, the tube can beattached to a rotating disk 154, which allows rotation about thespeaker.

In another embodiment, the tube is malleable. This allows the tube to beplaced in different positions.

In one embodiment, the length of the tube is adjustable. FIG. 3 showssuch an embodiment 200 of a pair of glasses with a retractable tube 202.In the figure, the tube is shown to be in its extended position.

To further enhance sound coupling, in one approach, there is a plug 156at the end of the tube for inserting into an ear of the user. The plugcan be an ear bud. The plug can provide a cushion, foam rubber or othermaterials. Such materials give comfort and/or enhance sound coupling tothe ear canal.

In another approach, there is a funnel at the output of the speaker.FIG. 4 shows the cross section of such a funnel from a speaker at atemple region of the glasses. As shown in FIG. 4, the speaker 254 sitson a speaker frame 252, and the speaker 254 is electrically connected toa circuit board 256. As sound is generated from the speaker 254, thesound propagates to a tube 258 through a structure 260 in the shape of afunnel. Such a structure helps guide the sound to the tube (i.e.,improved sound coupling). Also, FIG. 4 shows the tube, which can be thetube 150 shown in FIG. 2, mounted onto the temple region of the glasseswith a circular lip 262. Such a lip 262 allows the tube 258 to rotaterelative to the glasses. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the speaker254 is fully embedded in the glasses.

As an alternative to or in conjunction with the tube, the glasses caninclude a channel to likewise guide sound generated by the speaker toone of the ears of the user. For example, the channel can be formedwithin a temple. The temple also has an opening to output the soundtowards the user's ear.

FIG. 1 shows one speaker at one of the temples. There can be more thanone speaker at each temple. In one embodiment, there can also be atleast one speaker at each temple. The two speakers can generate stereoeffects.

In another embodiment, the glasses can provide four or more speakers togive a high fidelity sound or a surround sound effect. For example, eachtemple can include one speaker in front of the user's ear, and onespeaker behind the user's ear. The different speakers can generatedifferent portions or sections of the sound. Further, if a base(discussed below) or portable electronic device is coupled to theglasses, the base or portable electronic device can contain anotherspeaker, such as a base or woofer speaker. Such embodiments enable theglasses to provide a personal high-fidelity sound or a surround-soundenvironment.

Electrical signals can be coupled to an electrical component, such as aspeaker, in a pair of glasses through a number of mechanisms. In oneembodiment, there is an electrical connector at least partially embeddedin the glasses. In other words, at least a portion of the connector isinside the glasses. The connector is electrically coupled to the speaker(or other electrical component) by, for example, a conductor. Theconductor can be on a printed-circuit board. In one embodiment, theconductor is also embedded in the glasses.

Regarding connectors, FIG. 5 shows one embodiment where the connector isnot a standard connector. The end 108 of the temple 104 of the glasses106 shown in FIG. 1 has a similar connector. In FIG. 5, the connector isa male plug or a male connector 300 at the end of a temple 302 of a pairof glasses. The connector 300 is connected to the speaker through, forexample, one or more wires embedded in the temple. Electrical signalsexternal to the glasses can then be coupled to the speaker (or otherelectrical component) through the plug.

As shown in FIG. 5, the free end of the temple 302 can have a relativelyflat cross section. There can be one or more electrically-conductivecontacts, such as 304 and 306, on one or both of the flat surfaces ofthe temple. In FIG. 5, four contacts are shown on one surface of thetemple. The contacts, 304 and 306, can be metal pads or bumps.

In one embodiment, a non-standard connector can be made usingprinted-circuit board technologies. First, a printed-circuit board withprinted conductors connected to metal contact bumps is produced. Thenplastic is overmolded around the printed-circuit board, with the molddesigned to shut off around the bumps or pads. The overmolded plasticcan serve as the temple, and the pads would be left exposed. Thus,portions of the printed circuit board are covered by plastic, and areaswith the bumps or pads are exposed for connection. These pads serve asthe connectors for the glasses.

Regarding printed-circuit boards, there can be one or more circuitboards in the glasses. For example, there can be a circuit board in oneof the temples of the glasses. Or, the circuits can be divided into twocircuit boards, one in each temple of the glasses. The circuit boardscan carry additional electrical components to be described below.

In one embodiment, the circuit boards are rigid. In another embodiment,the circuit boards are made of flexible materials, such as a polyimidesheet, like Kapton®. In one embodiment, the circuit board is configuredor adapts to the shape of the temple in which it resides.

As shown in FIG. 5, the end of the temple 302 serves as a male connector(plug) 300. The non-standard male connector 300 can be received by anon-standard female connector (plug) 310. Typically, the femaleconnector 310 makes electrical and physical connection through grabbingaround the male plug. The female connector 310 can be connected to acable 312.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a process to make the non-standard female plug310. First, an electrical wire 354 is attached to a small sheet or pieceof metal 356. FIG. 6A shows a number of such wires, with a number of themetal sheets or pieces crimped to a hard PVC 358. The figure shows theback side of the crimped board with the wires and with a number ofholes, such as 360. Then the frame is overmolded with a soft PVC. FIG.6B shows a cross section of the overmolded frame 362 with the soft PVC.As shown in the figure, a number of the metal sheets, such as 364 and366, are exposed. They are the metal contacts in the female connector310. Instead of the above approach, alternatively, a wire can beattached to a sheet of metal by putting the wire between the metal andthe plastic as the metal is crimped onto a plastic. When the temple(i.e., male connector 300) is inserted into the female plug, the softPVC material stretches slightly, providing a spring-force to keep thecontacts connected.

The hard PVC can have a hardness of over 80 durometer, while the softPVC can have a hardness of less than 50 durometer. The hard PVC can bereplaced by other materials, such as Polypropylene or cloth. The softPVC can be replaced by Silicone, or a thermo-plastic elastomer, such asKraton®.

Referring to both FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B, when the male connector 300 isinserted into the slot 314 of the female connector 310, the metal pads,304 and 306, will get in contact, or mate, with the metal sheets, 364and 366.

In one embodiment, as long as the male connector 300 is pushed all theway into the female connector 310, the pads are aligned correctly to thesheets for electrical connections. In another embodiment, there is analignment mechanism to guide the position of the temple relative to thefemale connector so as to ensure the conductive sheets to be in contactwith the conductive pads. For example, there can be a registrationlocation to indicate that the male connector is at the appropriateposition relative to the female connector. There can be an alignmentextension, which can be a partial sphere, close to the end of the temple302, such as between the pads 304 and 306, at 316. And, there can be acorresponding alignment notch at the female connector 310. When theextension is received or caught by the notch, the male connector 300 isin the appropriate position relative to the female connector 310. Inother words, the alignment is proper, and the pads and the sheets are incontact.

FIG. 5 shows the non-standard male connector 300 at one end of a templeof a pair of glasses. In yet another embodiment, a non-standardconnector can be at another location. FIG. 7 shows another example of anon-standard connector 400. The connector 400 includes one or moreconductive pads, 412 and 414, on the top side of a temple 402. Theconnector 400 is designed to receive another connector 406 that grabsonto the side of the temple 402. There can be an indentation 404 on thetemple 402 to receive the other connector 406. The other connector 406can include a top 420 and a bottom 416 clip. There are a number ofconductive pads or sheets inside the other connector 406. Theindentation 404 provides an alignment to indicate where the top clip 420of the other connector 406 should grab onto the temple 402 forconnection. At that position, the conductive pads at the temple will bein contact with the conductive pads or sheets at the other connector406. There can also be another indentation 418 at the temple 402 toreceive the bottom clip 416. This can further enhance the alignmentprocess and to secure the connection.

In FIG. 7, the other connector 406 is coupled to one end of a cord and aplug 408, which can be inserted into a portable device 410, can beconnected to another end of the cord. The portable device, for example,can be a cell phone. This type of non-standard clip-type connector couldbe easily applied to the temple with one hand, for example, while theuser is driving a car.

A number of non-standard connectors have been described. In anotherembodiment, the contacts are based on standard connectors, which can beoff-the-shelf connectors. FIGS. 8A-8E show a number of examples of suchconnectors.

In one embodiment, the standard connector is a standard cylindrical pluglocated at the end of a temple. From a different perspective, the templemolds around the end of the plug. FIG. 8A shows one such embodiment. Theplug 450 can be a standard audio connector or a 3-wire or three terminalplug, such as a 3.5 mm male stereo mini-phone plug. The 3 wires for sucha plug are typically one for ground, the other two applicable for twosignals, such as for creating stereo effects. FIG. 8A also shows thethree wires, 452, 454 and 456, inside the temple, extended from the plug450. These wires are for connection to electrical components of theglasses.

In one embodiment, the cylindrical plug 450 shown in FIG. 8A can beprotected, encapsulated or shrouded. Or, at least a portion of the plugis protected, encapsulated or shrouded. Such protection can, forexample, be for aesthetic reasons, or to prevent the plug fromscratching the face of the user when the user is putting on the pair ofglasses. In FIG. 8A, the plug 450 is partially embedded in a temple.

Instead of a three terminal plug, other types of standard cylindricalplugs applicable to different embodiments of the present inventioninclude a serial connector with 3 pins, typically one for ground, onefor transmitting data (Tx) and the third for receiving data (Rx); or (b)a 2-wire connector, one served as ground, the other for carrying, suchas power and modulated signals.

In yet another embodiment, instead of a cylindrical plug, the standardconnector at the end of a temple of a pair of glasses is a USB or aFIREWIRE connector.

A number of embodiments have been described where the standardconnector(s) at the glasses are male connectors. In yet anotherembodiment, the standard connector(s) in the glasses are femaleconnectors.

For example, there can be a 3.5 mm female stereo mini-phone plug at theend of a temple of a pair of glasses. At least a portion of the femaleconnector can be protected, encapsulated or shrouded. For example, thefemale connector can be recessed within the end of a temple.

FIGS. 8B-8E show different examples of standard connectors located orpartially embedded not at the end of a temple of a pair of glasses, but,for example, on the side of the temple, such as on the inside surface orthe outside surface of a temple. FIG. 8B shows a 0.10″ header plug 460,commonly known as a MOLEX connector, on such a surface. FIG. 8C shows afemale mini-phone plug 465 on such a surface. FIG. 8D shows a cardconnector 470 to receive a card 472, such as a removable media card(e.g., memory card). There can be a cover 474 to secure and/or protectthe media card 472 in place after it is inserted into the card connector470. FIG. 8E shows a female USB connector 480 on the inside surface of atemple 482 to receive a male USB connector 484.

FIGS. 8F-8H are diagrams pertaining to providing a removable electronicdevice with an eyeglass frame according to one embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 8F illustrates a temple 490 that includes a connector492. The connector 492 includes an opening 494. A removable electronicdevice can be coupled to the temple 490 using the connector 492. Moreparticularly, FIG. 8G illustrates a removable electronic device 496 thatincludes an electronic device housing 498 and a connector 499. As anexample, the removable electronic device 496 can be a memory storagedevice, sometimes referred to as a memory card. FIG. 8H illustrates theremovable electronic device 496 coupled to the temple 490. The removableelectronic device 496 is coupled to one side of the temple 490, suchside can be either an inside or outside surface of the eyeglass frame.When the removable electronic device 496 is coupled to the temple 490,the connector 499 of the removable electronic device 496 is insertedinto the opening 494 of the connector 492. Physical forces between theconnector 499 and the connector 492 operate to secure the removableelectronic device 496 to the temple 490, yet permit the removableelectronic device 496 to be removable therefrom.

In one embodiment, the connector 492 is not electrically connected toany electronic circuitry within the temple 490 or other parts of theeyeglass frame. In other words, the connector 492 provides a convenientmeans by which removable electronic devices can be coupled to theeyeglass frame. In another embodiment, the connector 492 can be coupledto electrical circuitry within the temple 490 or elsewhere within theeyeglass frame. Such an embodiment allows the electronic componentswithin the removable electronic device 496 to be utilized with theelectrical circuitry within the temple 490 or elsewhere within theeyeglass frame. For example, the removable electronic device 496 canprovide data storage and/or other software modules to be utilized by orto utilize the other electrical circuitry within the temple 490 orelsewhere within the eyeglass frame. In any case, by attaching theremovable electronic device 496 to the temple 490 (and thus the eyeglassframe), the removable electronic device 496 is able to be convenientlycarried by the user of the eyeglass frame. In one implementation, theeyeglass frame, which includes the connector 492, becomes a dockingstation for the removable electronic device 496. As such, a variety ofdifferent removable electronic devices can be interconnected with theeyeglass frame, as desired. For example, the eyeglass frame can thussupport different function or operations depending on the removableelectronic device that is attached. For example, the eyeglass framemight operate as a camera, data storage device, FM radio, MP3 player,mobile telephone, pedometer, hearing enhancer, sun sensor, time piece,etc.

In one embodiment, the removable electronic device 496 can align itselfwith the orientation of the temple 490, such as shown in FIG. 8H. InFIG. 8G, the electronic device housing 498 can be said to have anelongated housing. The configuration (e.g., shape) and/or color of theremovable electronic device 496 can also be designed to conform orcomplement the design of the temple 490. In one embodiment, the temple490 might also have a recessed region to allow the portable electronicdevice to be less visually perceptible when attached to the temple 490or to provide a more consistent contour of the temple 490.

In one embodiment, the connector 499 is a male connector, and theconnector 492 is a female connector or a similarly sized structure. Inone implementation the connector 499 is a peripheral bus connector, suchas a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. In such cases, the connector492 can also be a peripheral bus connector (either electricallyfunctional or non-functional as noted above).

Although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8F-8H utilize connectors,namely, electrical connectors, the removable electronic device 496 couldbe attached to the temple in other ways. For example, other means toprovide physical forces to hold the removable electronic device 496 inplace can be used.

FIG. 8I is a diagram of a temple of an eyeglass frame according toanother embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the temple 490′includes an opening 491 through which a cable 493 extends outward. Thecable 493 has an electrical connector 495 connected at its end. Theelectrical connector 495 is electrically connected to electricalcircuits within the temple 490′ or elsewhere within the eyeglass framesuch as by way of one or more wires contained within the cable 493. Inone implementation, the length of the cable 493 is about one to fourinches. The temple 490′ shown in FIG. 8I also includes a receptacle 497.The receptacle 497 is affixed to or integral with the temple 490 toreceive the electrical connector 495. Typically, the receptacle 497provides a holding mechanism for the electrical connector 495 when notbeen utilized. When the electrical connector 495 is being utilized, theelectrical connector 495 is removed from the receptacle 497 and coupledto a corresponding counterpart connector of another electrical device.The cord 493 can provide ease-of-use so that the electrical connector495 can be maneuvered to couple to the counterpart connector. In oneembodiment, the temple 490′ can provide a recess for receiving theentire cable 493, with the outer surface of the receptacle 497 beingsubstantially flush to the surface of the temple 490. So when theconnector 495 is not in use, the connector 495 can be in the receptacle497, with the cable 493 in the recess. In one embodiment, when the cable493 is in the recess and the connector 495 inside the receptacle 497,the cable 493 has substantially no slack. Also, in another embodiment,the cable 493 can be retractable into the opening 491. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 8I, the electrical connector 495 is a male connector, andthe receptacle 497 is a female connector or a similarly sized structure.

A number of standard and non-standard connectors have been described.Other types of connectors can also be used. In one embodiment, there isa connector adapter, which serves to transform such other type ofconnectors to a different interface. For example, an adapter can be acord with one type of connector at one end and a different type ofconnector at the other end.

In one or more of the above embodiments, the glasses can access audiosignals from another device through a connector at the glasses. Theanother device can be a multimedia asset players or a radio.

In one embodiment of the invention, the glasses have a storage medium(i.e., memory). The memory can be on a printed-circuit board and, forexample, store 256 MBs or more. The memory can be a built-in orremovable flash memory. The memory can be coupled to a device externalto the glasses through one or more connectors at the glasses. As anexample, a 256 MB flash memory is in one of the temples of a pair ofglasses, and there is a USB connector at the free end of that temple tocouple to an external device.

With the embedded storage medium, the glasses can upload information inthe memory to or download information into the memory from an externaldevice, such as a computer. A user can plug the glasses into thecomputer through a connector, either directly, or indirectly, with, forexample, an intermediate wire in between. The user can store files inthe glasses. Such an embodiment should reduce the chances of the userlosing the files because the user has to lose the glasses as well.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a pair of glasses includes amultimedia asset player, such as a MP3 player. FIG. 9 shows some of theelectrical components for a MP3 player 500 according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The player 500 includes a speaker 502 and a data bus 512,which facilitates data transfer among, for example, a processor 506, astorage device 510, and a coder/decoder (CODEC) 504. The processor 506,which can be a microprocessor or controller, controls the operation ofthe player 500. The storage device 510 stores the multimedia assets,such as MP3 files, or other types of media data that are appropriatelyformatted. In one example, the MP3 files are digitally encoded songs orother types of audio signals. The storage device 510 can include anumber of separate storage elements. For example, the device 510 can bea flash memory device, or a minidisk device, and a cache, which canimprove the access time and reduce power consumption of the storagedevice. The storage device 510 typically also includes a Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), which stores programs, utilities or processes to beexecuted in a non-volatile manner. The player 500 can also include aRAM, such as for the cache.

Once a media asset, such as a song, is selected to be played, theprocessor 506 would supply the asset to the CODEC 504, whichdecompresses the asset and produces analog output signals for thespeaker 502. In one embodiment, the bus 512 is also coupled to aninput/output device 508, which would allow a user to upload songs in theglasses to an external instrument, such as a computer, or download songsfrom the instrument to the glasses.

There are different approaches to select a song. In one embodiment, thesongs or the media assets can be categorized in the MP3 player, and thecategorization can be hierarchical, with multiple levels in thehierarchy. To illustrate, assume that there are three levels. The toplevel can be the name of the singer; the second level can be the timeperiod when the asset was produced, and the third level can be the namesof the songs. The entries, such as the name of the singer, can beabbreviated. There can be a small display and a control knob to allow auser to scroll down entries in a level. By pushing the knob, the userselects an entry, which can lead the user to a lower level. There can bean entry for moving up a level also. In another embodiment, the displayis a touch-screen display, allowing entries to be entered directly onthe display. In yet another embodiment, entries can be selected based onvoice recognition.

A number of embodiments have been described with the glasses having aconnector. In one embodiment, the glasses can have more than oneconnector. For example, a pair of glasses with two connectors also has aspeaker. One connector is, for example, at a broad side of a temple, asin FIG. 8D. The connector can be for coupling to multimedia assets of aMP3 player. Another connector is, for example, at the end of a temple,as in FIG. 8A. That connector can couple power to the glasses. Thespeaker can play the multimedia assets accessed from one connector,based on power from another connector.

As described, power (e.g., external power source) can be coupled to theglasses through a connector. In one embodiment, the power source isembedded inside or inserted into the glasses. Different types of powersources are applicable. For example, the power source can be a battery,a fuel cell, a solar cell, or a re-chargeable battery. The rechargeablebattery can be charged through a connector at the glasses.

In an earlier application, namely, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/509,631, filed Oct. 9, 2003, and entitled “TETHERED ELECTRICALCOMPONENTS FOR EYEGLASSES,” which has been incorporated herein byreference, there can be a base connected to the glasses through a cord.The cord can be just a piece of flexible conductor encapsulated by aflexible insulator. Typically, a cord includes a number of electricalwires or conductors. There can be one or more electrical components inthe base, and there can also be one or more electrical components in thecord. The different types of connectors previously described can belocated in the base. In one embodiment, a power source is an electricalcomponent in the base tethered to a pair of glasses. In anotherembodiment, the glasses are tethered to a base that has a connector. Theconnector is connected to and draws power from an external electronicdevice. In this embodiment, electrical components in the glasses drawpower from the external electronic devices.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment where a user 550 is wearing a pair ofglasses 552, which include electrical components. There are alsotethered electrical components in a base 554, which is connected to theglasses 552 through a cord 556. In addition, there is a wire 558connected to a connector at the base 554 to a portable electronic device560. The portable device 560 can be (a) a multimedia device, such as aMP3 player/recorder or a minidisk players, (b) a wireless communicationdevice, such as a cell phone, or (c) a personal digital assistant, orother types of portable devices with computing and/or entertainingand/or communication capabilities.

Note that instead of connecting to the portable electronic device 560through the base 554, in another embodiment, the glasses 552 directlyconnect to the portable device 560 through a cord.

In one embodiment, there is an attachment device 562, such as a pin orclip. The attachment device attaches at least a part of the glasses tothe user's clothing. The attachment device 562 can serve to attach thecord 556 and/or the wire 558 and/or the base 554 to the user's clothing.The attachment can also be through other mechanisms, such as Velcro.

In a number of embodiments, the speaker described is assumed to emitaudio signals. In one embodiment, the speaker emits ultrasonic signals.The glasses can be used, for example, as an insect repellant bytransmitting ultrasound to repel insects, such as mosquitoes. In thisembodiment, the one or more speakers broadcast the ultrasonic signalsaway from the user. In other words, the speakers face outwards, notinwards towards the user. In this embodiment, the glasses, which caninclude a base, also has a power source to provide power to the speaker.There can also be a control knob to turn the one or more speakers on/offon the glasses. There will be additional discussions on the control knobbelow.

In another embodiment, the glasses generating ultrasonic signals can beused to produce audio signals that are more directional. For example,two ultrasonic signals are generated by a speaker in the glasses, withtheir difference frequencies being the audio signals. The audio signalsgenerated based on mixing the two ultrasonic signals can be much moredirectional than audio signals directly generated from the speaker.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the glasses include amicrophone 110. The microphone 110 can be at the end of a temple 104close to a lens holder 112. Or, the microphone 110 can be in the lensholder 112, located directly adjacent to the temple 104. In yet anotherembodiment, there can be a small protrusion extending down from thetemple to house the microphone.

With glasses having a microphone, one can use the glasses to recordvoices into, for example, a storage medium. The storage medium can be inthe glasses, or can be in a base or a portable device attached to theglasses.

Different types of microphones can be used. For example, they can beelectret microphones, crystal microphones, resistance microphones,piezoelectric microphones or moving-coil microphones.

In one embodiment, the glasses with a microphone also include a speakerthat can generate directional sound. A user can speak into themicrophone and his message can be transmitted from the glasses in a moredirectional manner.

In another embodiment, the glasses also include a notificationelectrical component to provide a notification to the user wearing theglasses. The notification can be to notify, alert or display informationto the user. There can be a display located at the inside 114 of thelens holder, or at the vicinity of the junction 116 or the hinge of alens holder and its corresponding temple facing the user. Or, there canbe a display at the inside surface of a temple, or at other locations onthe glasses. The display can be one or more light emitting diodes. Toalert the user, one or more diodes can blink. The blinking can be of aspecific sequence. Instead of diodes, the display can be a liquidcrystal display. The display can provide indications or information tothe user. For example, a number or a variable-height bar can be shown.Other than visual indications, the notification or alert can be audio,like a beeper.

In one embodiment, the notification electrical component is forselecting a multimedia asset in a multimedia asset player in a pair ofglasses for the multimedia to play. The multimedia asset player can be aMP3 player.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been describedwhere electrical signals are transmitted to or from a pair of glassesthrough a physical connection. In one embodiment, electrical signals arewirelessly coupled to a pair of glasses. The coupling can be short rangeor long range. The coupling can be directly to the glasses, or to a baseconnected to a pair of glasses. The glasses with wireless couplingcapabilities can be used to couple to a Bluetooth network, the Internet,a WiFi network, a WiMax network, a cell-phone network or other types ofnetworks. The coupling can also be through a point-to-point link, suchas an infrared link.

FIGS. 11A-11B show examples of some of the electrical components in ortethered to a pair of glasses for wireless connections, according toembodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 11A, a high frequency orRF antenna 602 wirelessly captures high frequency or RF signals for RFtransceiver circuits 604. If the transceiver circuits are for aconventional superheterodyne system, the transceiver circuits 604 mixthe RF signals down to IF signals. Then the IF signals are processed bybaseband circuits. Digital outputs from the baseband circuits arecoupled to a processor 608 for analysis and synthesis.

Outputs from the processor 608 are fed to a D-to-A converter 610 togenerate audio signals for a speaker 612. Similarly, audio analogsignals from a microphone 614 can be fed to an A-to-D converter 616 togenerate digital low frequency signals for the processor 608 and then tothe RF transceiver circuits 604. The low frequency signals areup-converted by the RF transceiver circuits 604 and wirelesslytransmitted by the antenna 602.

In another embodiment, digital conversion is moved closer to theantenna. For example, instead of mixing RF into IF signals, the RFtransceiver circuits 604 directly perform digital conversion from the RFsignals.

Typically, high frequency filters are used at the front end of the RFtransceiver circuits 604 for the RF signals. In one embodiment, to savespace, FBAR (film bulk acoustic resonator) duplexer is employed. A setof piezoelectric filters can be used to separate incoming and outgoingsignals. For cell phone operation, such filters can enable a user tohear and speak simultaneously. A number of these electronic devices canbe on a circuit board in the glasses. Or, some of the devices are in theglasses, while other in the base tethered to the glasses.

FIG. 11B shows another example of some of the electrical components inor tethered to a pair of glasses for wireless connections according tothe present invention. In this embodiment, there does not need to havedigital data. A speaker 620 and a microphone 622 are connected to ananalog interface circuit 624, which is coupled to a RF transceivercircuit 626 and an antenna 628. For the speaker application, thetransceiver circuit 626 mixes the RF signals down into IF signals, whichare converted by the analog interface circuit 624 into analog signalsfor the speaker 620. Similarly, for the microphone application, itsanalog signals are converted into the IF signals by the analog interfacecircuit 624 to be up converted by the transceiver circuit 626 into RFsignals for the antenna 628. These types of circuitry are suitable for,such as, simple radios, analog cell phones, CB radios, walkee-talkees,police radios or intercom systems.

In one embodiment, most of the electrical components are not in theglasses. The pair of glasses includes an antenna to capture the wirelesssignals, and a connector. The wireless signals captured are transmittedthrough the connector to electrical circuits external to the glasses.

A number of processors have been described. The processors can usedifferent types of operating systems. In one embodiment, SymbianOperating Systems are used. In another embodiment, operating systems,such as TinyOS, are used. The operating system could be programmed inC++ and then compiled into machine codes.

For privacy protection, signals can be encrypted before transmission.Encryption can take significant computation power, and may generate afair amount of heat. In one embodiment, encryption capabilities arelocated in a base tethered to the glasses. There can be a fan inside thebase. The fan can be turned on during encryption. In another embodiment,the fan is activated during other high capacity uses for heatdissipation purposes.

In yet another embodiment, there is a fan in the glasses. The fan islocated at a temple of the glasses, in the region close to its lensholder. The fan is used to cool the wearer of the glasses.

In one embodiment, a pair of glasses has access to voice recognitionsoftware. The software can be embedded in (a) the glasses, (b) a basetethered to the glasses, (c) a portable device wired or wirelesslycoupled to the glasses or to the base, or (d) a computing system wiredor wirelessly coupled to the glasses. Or, the software or firmware canbe in more than one of the above devices.

Glasses that can couple to signals wirelessly can be used in differentapplications. For example, the glasses can be a cell phone wireless headset, such as a Bluetooth cordless headset. Such short-distance wirelesstechnologies allow the headset to connect to the user's cell phonewithout a wire. This would allow the user to drive, eat or perform otherfunctions without getting tangled in a pesky wire.

In one embodiment, the cell phone is a VOIP (voice over Internetprotocol) phone.

In one embodiment, for the glasses operating as a cell phone head set,the head set includes active noise cancellation mechanism. For example,the glasses include two microphones. One microphone is for capturing thevoice of the user. But the microphone captures ambient noise also. Itcan be embedded in a protrusion extending from the end of the templeclose to a lens holder, towards the mouth of the user, as the microphone110 in FIG. 1. Another microphone can be located at the top of one ofthe lens holders pointing away from the mouth of the user. Thismicrophone is for capturing ambient noise. As a first orderapproximation, outputs from the two microphones could be subtracted fromeach other to provide voice signals with noise reduced.

In yet another embodiment, the glasses with wireless couplingcapabilities also have a multimedia asset player, such as a MP3 player.The glasses can be used to receive music directly in digital formatover, for example, a data-capable network of a mobile operator. Themusic can be received, for example, at a speed of 16 Kbits per second,providing sound quality close to compact disc. If the music istransmitted in a compressed manner, such as in a MP3 format, then themusic data can be received at a much lower speed. In one embodiment, theglasses also have a microphone and can serve as a cellular phone or awireless headset of a cellular phone.

In yet another embodiment, the glasses can serve as a radio, againthrough electrical components in or tethered to the glasses. In thisembodiment, the glasses can include a tuner with one or more controlknobs. The knobs can be used to select channels and to set the volume.

In one embodiment, a pair of glasses allows personalization by includinga preference indicator. The indicator allows a user to provide hispreference, such as on whatever is being output by the glasses. In oneexample, the glasses also has a radio having a speaker and withelectrical components for wireless connection. In this example, theindicator can be used by the user to provide his preference regardingwhatever is being played by the radio at that time. This preference canbe wirelessly transmitted from the glasses to a third party. Toillustrate, when the user is listening to a piece of music, the user canindicate he likes the piece of music by pressing a control knob on theglasses. This piece of preference information is then transmitted andreceived by a service provider, which is then informed of the user'spreference. Instead of a control knob, in another embodiment, thepreference indicator is a system with a microphone and voice recognitionsoftware. The user can indicate his preference vocally.

In another example regarding the personalization process, the glassescan serve as a multimedia asset player, such as a MP3 player. The songthat the user has shown preference can be stored in a storage device,which can be in the glasses.

FIG. 12 shows a process 650 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention for a personalized radio.

Initially, a pair of glasses according to the present invention receives652 a piece of music from a radio station. That piece of music is stored654 in a buffer or a temporary storage area. This temporary storage areacan be in the glasses or tethered to the glasses. The piece of music isalso sent 656 to a speaker in the glasses.

Assume that the user likes the music. Based on the preference indicator,the user shows his preference. After the glasses receive 658 anindication of the user's preference, the glasses determine 660 the songcorresponding to the indication. That piece of music can then be moved662 from the buffer to a permanent storage area, such as into a flashmemory. This would then allow the user to subsequently access the pieceof music.

There are different ways to determine 660 the song or the content beingplayed by the radio corresponding to the indication. For example, onerule is that when the user pushes the preference button or voices hispreference, the song (or media asset or media file) that is being playedis the one the user likes. Since the operating system knows what song isbeing played at what time, based on the rule, the song of preference isdetermined. Another rule is that when the user shows his preference, andthere is no song being played at that instance, the song immediatelypreceding the break is the song of preference.

In another embodiment, the glasses can get 664 an identification for thesong of preference. For example, the glasses can ask the user to providean identification for the piece of music. This identification can be thetype of music, the singer, the name of the music or otheridentification. In another embodiment, there can be meta data embedded,such as in the beginning part of the music (or media asset). Having suchmeta data embedded is not uncommon for music in digital format. The metadata can include identifications for the music. The glasses can get 664such identification. Based on the identification, the song iscategorized 666 accordingly, such as grouped with other songs having thesame identification. Such categorization process would enhance the easeof accessing the song by the user at a later time.

A number of control knobs have been described. FIG. 13 shows a number ofattributes 700 regarding control knobs according to the presentinvention. The knobs can be of different physical structure 702. Forexample, a control knob can be a roller, a switch or a push-button. Acontrol knob serving as an up/down controller can use two buttons, or aroller.

A control knob can be more intelligent 704. For example, a push-buttoncontrol knob can serve different purposes depending on the duration theknob is being pushed. If a user pushes it for more than three seconds,the knob serves as an on-off toggle switch. In another example, a knobcan serve multiple purposes, and the specific purpose depends on thenumber of times the knob is pushed.

A knob can also be programmed. A user can connect the glasses to acomputer and program the knob accordingly. For example, one can programa knob such that if the knob is pushed more than three seconds, the knobwould serve as an on/off switch for the glasses.

The location 706 of a control knob can vary for different applications.A control knob can be located on the glasses. A control knob can be onthe top, the side or the bottom of the temple. A control knob can belocated at the inside of a temple facing the user. Assume that there area number of control knobs and all of them are on the edges of a temple,except one. By being at a position different from other control knobs,this knob can serve a specific purpose. For example, it can be an on/offcontrol knob. In yet another embodiment, a control knob can be locatedin a base tethered to the glasses.

The number 708 of control knobs can vary depending on operations. Forexample, there is an on/off control knob and a volume up/down controlknob. If the glasses are used for cell phone headset application, in oneembodiment, there is also an answer/hang-up control knob. If the glassesserve as a radio, in one embodiment, there is also a tuning controlknob, which can be two push buttons. If the glasses serve as a CDplayer, in one embodiment, there is a play control knob, a stop controlknob, and a skip forward/backward control knob. If the glasses serve asa multimedia asset player, such as a MP3 player, in one embodiment,there is a save-this-song control knob, a skip-forward/backward-songcontrol knob and a select-song-to-play control knob.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been describedregarding audio signals. In one embodiment, the glasses further serve asa camera.

FIG. 14 shows one embodiment of electrical components in a pair ofglasses with image capturing capabilities. A processor 752 is coupled toa CCD interface chip 754 and then to a CCD chip 756. Images focused by alens 758 are captured and collected by the CCD chip. In anotherembodiment, there is also be a flash controller 760 connected to theprocessor 752 to control a flash 762.

In one embodiment, a number of pixels of the CCD chip 756 are used aslight sensors. The pixels can be used to adjust the sensitivity of theCCD chip 756 based on the amount of ambient light. For example, if theoutside environment is dim, it would take a longer period of time tocollect enough charges by the CCD chip 756 to re-create the image. Thisimplies that the integration time of the CCD chip 756 should increase.

In yet another embodiment, the camera can pertain to a video camera. Thecapacity of the memory 753 increases so as to store the video images.

In one embodiment, the glasses do not offer adjustment on the imagedistance. The CCD chip 756 can be located, for example, at the focalpoint of the lens 758. In another embodiment, there is an image distancecontrol knob. For example, a mechanical lever can be pre-programmed orpre-set to move the lens to one or more different positions. Oneposition can be for close-up shots, such as objects from 2 to 4 ft, andanother for scenic or vista images, such as objects greater than 6 ft.

Depending on the embodiment, electrical components of a camera can be ina pair of glasses, and/or a base tethered to the glasses, and/or aportable device tethered to the glasses or to the base. For example, thememory 753 can be in the base tethered to the glasses.

The location of the lens 758 can vary depending on the embodiment. Inone embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, one location is at the bridge ofthe glasses, with the lens of the camera facing forward. In thissituation, what the user sees is substantially what the captured imagewould be. In other words, in a general sense, what the user sees is whatthe user gets. With such an embodiment, it is relatively easy for a userto take pictures, hands-free. In another embodiment, another locationfor the lens 758 are at a side portion adjacent to a lens holder, beforethe joint of the corresponding temple, such as at 116 in FIG. 1. Again,the lens of the camera faces forward. Some of the electrical componentsof the camera can be in that location, and other components in thetemple 104. These components are electrically connected through one ofthe joints, such as with a flexible pc board. In yet another embodiment,the lens 758 can face sideways and outwards in a temple of a pair ofglasses, towards the left or right side of the user.

Regarding storing the images, in one embodiment, the images are storedlocally. One approach to determine which image to store is thefirst-in-first-out approach. Once the camera is turned on, the cameratakes pictures continually in an automatic mode, such as once every fewseconds. When the memory becomes full or under other pre-set orpre-programmed condition, the first picture stored will be deleted whenthe next picture comes in. In another embodiment, the digital content inone picture is compared to the digital content in, for example, thefifth picture further down. If the difference between the two is notmore than a pre-set threshold, the four pictures in between will bedeleted. One approach to determine the difference is by comparing thetotal charges collected by the CCD chip for the two images. If the twosets of charges do not differ by more than a certain threshold, theimages in between would be deleted.

The images captured can also be stored at a remote site. For example,the glasses can upload the images to a computer, wirelessly or through awired connection from a connector at the glasses.

FIG. 15 shows an operation 800 of taking certain actions based on imagescaptured by a pair of glasses with a wireless transceiver, according toone embodiment of the invention. This operation can be used by a policeofficer on patrol. Before the officer gets out of his patrol vehicle toconfront a suspect, the officer can inform the station. At that point,the camera is turned on 802.

There can be different approaches to turn on the camera. In oneembodiment, an operator at the station can remind the officer to turn onthe camera. Or, the operator can remotely turn on the camera. In yetanother embodiment, the camera can be automatically turned on undercertain condition. One such condition is that if the camera is out ofthe patrol vehicle, the camera is automatically turned on. With theglasses having the capability to wirelessly communicate with the patrolvehicle, one method to detect if the glasses are out of the patrolvehicle is based on the wireless signal strength of the glasses. Thepatrol vehicle can detect the signal strength of the wireless signals,which depends on the distance between glasses and the vehicle. Athreshold can be set. If the signal strength is below the presetthreshold, the glasses would be assumed to be out of the car, and thecamera would be automatically turned on.

After the camera is turned on 802, the glasses start to continually take804 pictures, such as once every few seconds. The pictures taken areautomatically transmitted back 806 to the patrol vehicle in a wirelessmanner. In this situation, the patrol vehicle serves as a hub, whichstores the pictures. Then, the hub re-transmits 808 the pictures back tothe station. Note that the pictures can be compressed by standardalgorithms before they are transmitted. This compression mechanism canbe performed by a computer in the patrol vehicle. When the station getsthe pictures, they are de-compressed before being viewed, such as by theoperator. The pictures enable the operator at the station to see whatthe officer is confronting. This effectively allows the operator at thestation to perform real-time monitoring of or for the officer. If it isa high risk situation, the operator can quickly react 810, such as bydispatching additional support for the officer. In one embodiment, theglasses can include not only a camera but also a microphone for audiopickup, such as sounds from the officer, suspect, witness orenvironmental sounds (such as door opening, gun shot, etc.).

Regarding ownership of the glasses, the user can own the glasses. In oneembodiment, the user leases the glasses from a provider. For example,the user leases a ski goggle with a camera. After the user turns on thecamera, as the user skis, the goggle automatically takes pictures.Later, the user can return the goggle to the provider or a kiosk, wherethe pictures can be retrieved and/or stored. Alternatively, the gogglecan include a wireless transceiver and the images could be uploadedcontinually or automatically to the provider or the kiosk via a wirelessnetwork. The provider or the kiosk can transmit the images to a website,such as a website associated with the user. In another embodiment, theuser picks up hardcopies of the images, e.g., a CD with the images or aDVD with the video, from the provider or the kiosk.

In one embodiment, the glasses allow the user to enter hisidentification. This can be done, for example, through a control knob atthe glasses. Such identification is then linked to the images. Based onthe identification, the user can return to the provider or kiosk at asubsequent time to pick up the images previously left behind.

In yet another embodiment, the pair of glasses with a camera also has aspeaker and a wireless transceiver. It can be used to remotely controlor direct the user wearing the glasses. FIG. 16 shows one such operation850 according to one embodiment.

To illustrate the operation 850, assume that the user is a paramedichelping a patient. The glasses continually take pictures 852 of objectsdirectly in front of the paramedic, such as images around four feet awayfrom the eyes of the paramedic. The pictures are wirelessly transmitted854 to a remote site, such as a hospital, to be viewed by a doctor.Again, this transmission can be a two-step process. For example,pictures can be transmitted to the paramedic's ambulance, which can thenre-transmit to the remote site. The first transmission from the glassesto the ambulance can be through a low-power, short-range, broadband,wireless transmission protocol. The second transmission from theambulance to the hospital can be through a much longer-range, higherpower, broadband, wireless transmission protocol. Again, compression andde-compression techniques can be used to enhance the rate oftransmission by reducing the amount of data to be transmitted.

Based on the images, the doctor sends out voice messages to theparamedic. These messages are wirelessly transmitted to and received 856by the glasses. The speaker in the glasses outputs 858 the messages tothe paramedic.

In another embodiment, the glasses also have a microphone, which allowsthe paramedic to communicate directly with the doctor also.

In one embodiment, the glasses can take pictures and can be a multimediaasset player. Pictures and the multimedia assets can share the samememory storage device. In this situation, the capacity for themultimedia assets and pictures can be interrelated. For example, a usercan take more pictures if there are less multimedia assets, such asfewer songs in the storage device.

A number of embodiments have been described regarding electricalcomponents in the temples of glasses. The locations selected are forillustration purposes. In other embodiments, some of the components areembedded fully or partially in other areas of the glasses, such as thelens holders or the bridges of the glasses. For example, there areglasses where there are shields at the edges of the lens holders of theglasses. These shields can wrap around, or better conform to the profileof, the face of the wearer. There can be transparent or translucentwindows on these shields also. The shields are not limited to be inprimary frames. They can be in, for example, fit-over glasses, auxiliaryframes or safety glasses. To illustrate, in fit-over glasses, suchshields can go over or cover at least a portion of the primary frames.One or more electrical components can be in such shields. In stillanother embodiment, one or more electrical components can be in a straptied to the corresponding eyewear, such as a sports strap tied to thecorresponding sports eyewear. For example, the one or more electricalcomponents can be at least partially embedded in or attached to a strap.As one particular example, an audio player or wireless communicationmodule can be at least partially embedded in or attached to the strap.The strap may also provide electrical conductors (that are attached orinternal to the strap). Such electrical conductors can be coupled to aspeaker to produce audio output to the speaker, or can be coupled to amicrophone to receive audio input from the microphone. The speakerand/or microphone can also be attached to or integral with the strap.

Note that in one embodiment, a pair of glasses does not have to includelenses. Also, a number of embodiments have been described with a pair ofglasses tethered to a base. In one embodiment, a pair of glassesincludes a base and a cord connecting the base to the glasses.

In yet another embodiment, a pair of glasses also includes a sensor.FIG. 17A is a chart 900 that depicts examples of sensors in the glasses.

In one embodiment, the sensor is a “being worn” sensor. The “being worn”sensor indicates whether the glasses are being worn by its user. The“being worn” operation can be performed using, for example, a thermalsensor, a motion detector, a stress sensor or a switch.

In one embodiment, a motion detector is used as a “being worn” sensor. Athreshold can be set, such that if the amount of motion exceeds thethreshold, the eyewear is assumed to be worn. The motion detector can,for example, be achieved by a mechanical means or an accelerometer.

In another embodiment, the “being worn” sensor includes two thermalsensors. One sensor can be at approximately the middle of a temple, suchas in a region that touches the head of the user wearing the glasses.The other sensor can be at the end of the temple, close to its hinge. Ifthe temperature differential between the two sensors is beyond a certainpreset value, the eyewear would be assumed to be worn. The differentialis presumed to be caused by a person wearing the pair of glasses.

In yet another embodiment, the “being worn” sensor includes a stresssensor at the hinge of the temple. The assumption is that when theeyewear is worn, the hinge is typically slightly stretched becausetypically, the width of the head of the user is slightly wider than thewidth between the temples when the two temples are in the extendedpositions. If the value of the stress sensor is beyond a certain presetvalue, the glasses would be assumed to be worn.

In a further embodiment, the “being worn” sensor can be a switch. Forexample, at the hinge between a temple and its corresponding lensholder, there is a switch. When that temple is fully extended outwards,the switch is turned on. The switch can be a pin. When the temple isfully extended outwards, the pin is pressed. When both temples are fullyextended outwards, in one embodiment, the glasses would be assumed to beworn by the user.

In one embodiment, another type of sensor is an environmental sensor.The environmental sensor can sense environmental conditions, such as oneor more of ultraviolet radiation, temperature (e.g., ambienttemperature), pressure, light, humidity and toxins (e.g., chemicals,radiation, etc.).

In another embodiment, another type of sensor is a condition sensor. Thecondition sensor can sense the conditions of the user of the glasses.Examples of physical sensors include sensing one or more of distancetraveled, location, speed, calories consumed, temperature and vitalsigns associated with the user of the glasses. The distance traveledcould represent the horizontal distance traveled or the verticaldistance (i.e. elevation) traveled. The speed can be the rate ofmovement along the horizontal distance traveled and/or the verticaldistance. In yet another embodiment, the condition sensor can sense theemotional conditions of the user of the glasses.

The sensors can be provided in a redundant or fault-tolerant manner. Forexample, sensors can come in pairs in the glasses. When onemalfunctions, the other one will take over its operation. In anotherembodiment, the sensor information can be processed in a differentialmanner to examine changes to the sensor information. The sensors can bypowered by a battery, solar energy, or kinetic energy. For reduced powerconsumption, the sensors can remain in a low-power state unless data isbeing acquired by the sensors. In yet another embodiment, two or more ofthe auxiliary sensors can communicate with one another (wired orwirelessly) to exchange data or control information.

A number of embodiments have been described regarding one or moreelectrical components at least partially embedded in a pair of glasses.In one embodiment, one or more electrical components are at leastpartially embedded in a temple tip of a pair of glasses. Temple tips areparticularly common for wire or metal frames. The pair of glasses has afirst and a second lens holders for receiving lenses. Each of the lensholders has a first side and a second side. The pair of glasses has abridge element that couples the first side of the first lens holder tothe second side of the second lens holder. The pair of glasses alsoincludes a first temple and a second temple. The first temple ispivotally secured to the second side of the first lens holder through ajoint, while the second temple is pivotally secured to the first side ofthe second lens holder through another joint. A temple typically has twoends, a first end and a second end. The first end can be the end that ispivotally secured to a lens holder through a joint, and the second endcan be the other end of the temple. It is not uncommon that a templeincludes a main body and an enclosure that grabs onto the main body ofthe temple. The second end is typically where the enclosure grabs ontothe main body. The enclosure can be made of a different material thanthe main body of the temple. In one embodiment, such an enclosure is atemple tip, and there is an electrical component, partially or fully,embedded in the tip. There can also be a connector, such as theconnector 300 shown in FIG. 5, at the temple tip. In another embodiment,the temple tip can include a female connector, which can be similar tothe female connector 310 shown in FIG. 6B. As the temple tip grabs ontothe main body of the temple, the female connector can make electricalcontact with a male connector at the main body of the temple. Typically,particularly before a pair of glasses has been extensively worn, thetemple tip can be removed and re-inserted back on to the main body ofthe temple without a lot of difficulties. Such a temple tip can be anafter-market component, with different temple tips having differentelectrical components to serve different functions.

FIG. 17B is a diagram of a temple arrangement 910 according to oneembodiment of the invention. In this arrangement, a temple tip is notconsidered as a part of the temple. The temple arrangement 910 includesa temple 912 that is associated with a pair of eyeglasses. Over the endof the temple 912 that is opposite the associated lens holder, a templetip 914 is provided. The temple tip 914 can be held to the temple 912 byfrictional forces and/or adhesive. The temple tip 914 includes at leastone electrical component 916 that is at least partially embeddedtherein. The temple tip 914 can be manufactured and delivered toresellers or retailers as such. Alternatively, the temple tip 914 can beseparately provided as an optional replacement temple tip for anexisting temple tip. Hence, as after manufacture, upgrade to the eyewearcan be had through replacing the existing temple tip with thereplacement temple tip. The colors and shapes of the temple tip 914 canvary widely. In the after manufacturing environment, the reseller orretailer can be provided with a range of different colors and shapes sothat a user can receive a replacement tip that reasonably matches thecolor and shape of the temple or that provides an altered appearance asdesired by the user.

Besides a replacement temple tip such as illustrated in FIG. 17B, atemple tip can also be effectively modified by a fit-over temple ortemple cover. FIG. 17C is a diagram of a temple cover 920 that at leastpartially covers a temple (e.g., temple 912) according to one embodimentof the invention. As another example, the temple cover 920 can be afabric or other material, such as a sock or sleeve, that slides over andat least partially covers a temple tip. The temple cover 920 can includeat one electrical component 922 that is either attached thereto or atleast partially embedded therein. The temple cover 920 can also includean opening 924 so as to received a temple or a temple tip. The templecover 920 can be held to a temple by frictional forces and/or adhesive.FIG. 17D is a diagram of a fit-over temple 926 that at least partiallyfits over a temple according to one embodiment of the invention. Forexample, the fit-over temple 926 can at least partial fit-over a templetip. The fit-over temple 926 includes at one electrical component 928that is either attached thereto or at least partially embedded therein.The fit-over temple 926 can also include an opening 930 so as to receivea temple. The fit-over temple 926 can be held to a temple by frictionalforces and/or adhesive. As an example, the fit-over temple 926 can beplastic or other material. The colors and shapes of the fit-over temple926 can vary widely. In the after manufacturing environment, thereseller or retailer can be provided with a range of different colorsand shapes so that a user can receive a replacement temple cover orfit-over temple that reasonably matches the color and shape of thetemple or that provides an altered appearance as desired by the user.

In one embodiment, a fit-over temple or temple cover according to theinvention can further include a connector or cable to facilitateelectrical connection with the at least one electrical component that iseither attached to a temple or a temple tip or at least partiallyembedded therein.

In one embodiment, an electrical component is a component of anelectrical circuit, and the electrical circuit is for performing atleast a desired, intended or predetermined function.

A number of embodiments have been described above for an eyeglass frame,i.e., primary frame, are also applicable to an auxiliary frame. Anauxiliary frame can attach to a primary frame through differenttechniques, such as using clips. Another technique to attach anauxiliary frame to a primary frame is by way of magnets. Examples ofusing magnets as an attachment technique can be found, for example, inU.S. Pat. No. 6,012,811, entitled, “EYEGLASS FRAMES WITH MAGNETS ATBRIDGES FOR ATTACHMENT.”

A number of embodiments have been described where one or more electricalcomponents are at least partially embedded in a pair of glasses. In yetanother embodiment, the one or more electrical components are at leastpartially embedded in an eye mask.

FIG. 18 shows one embodiment 925 where one or more electrical componentsare at least partially embedded in an eye mask 927. The eye mask 927includes a piece of fabric that is opaque so that when the mask is worn,the mask wraps around the eyes to block light from entering into theeyes of the user.

The embodiment 925 includes a wrapping mechanism to hold the fabric ontothe head of a user so that when the mask is worn by the user, themechanism allows the fabric to have a relatively tight and comfortablefit over the face of the user. In one approach the wrapping mechanism isachieved with the fabric in the shape of a band and having a certaindegree of elasticity. When the mask is worn by the user, the elasticityof the fabric allows the mask to establish a relatively tight fit overthe face of the user. In another example, the fabric is a long piece ofmaterial. The wrapping mechanism includes a clip or Velcro at the twoends of the piece of material to tie the two ends together. In anotherexample, the wrapping mechanism includes two elastic pieces of elasticmaterials at the two ends of the fabric. To wear the mask, each elasticpiece of material goes over one of the ears of the user so that thefabric establishes a relatively tight fit over the face of the user. Inyet another embodiment, the mask 927 includes a notch 935 to accommodatethe nose of the user. In another embodiment, there can be additionalpadding in the vicinity of the one or more electrical components so thatif an electrical component is pressed against the user, the paddingserves as a buffer or cushion.

In one embodiment, a speaker 929 can be at least partially embedded inthe mask 927, and can be positioned close to and facing one of the earsof the user. The speaker 929, through an electrical connector, iselectrically connected to a cable 931. The cable 931 can also have aconnector 933 at its distal end. The connector 933 can be plugged intoanother device, such as a MP3 player or a CD player. After putting onthe mask, with the connector 933 plugged into the another device, theuser would be able to hear, for example, audio sounds such as music. Theeyemask 925 can be applied to different areas. For example, the user canbe on a plane, and would like to rest. The user can put on the eyemask925, and plug the connector 933 into a media outlet at an armrest of herseat in the plane. Thus, the user can enjoy music while taking a rest.The embodiment 925 could also include a plurality of speakers, such asone for each of the user's ears.

In another embodiment, the eyemask 927 includes the speaker 929 and abattery that is electrically connected to the speaker 929. The batterycan be in a pocket on the eyemask and can be replaceable. The batterycan also be a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, andthere is a connector at least partially embedded in the eyemask. Theconnector can be used to recharge the battery.

FIG. 19 shows another embodiment 950 where one or more electricalcomponents are at least partially embedded in a night cap 952. In oneembodiment, the cap 952 is at least partially made of fabric. In anotherembodiment, the cap 952 is entirely made of fabric. The cap includes awrapping mechanism. When the cap is worn, the wrapping mechanism holdsthe cap onto the head of the user, and allows the cap to have arelatively tight and comfortable fit over the head of the user. Againthe wrapping mechanism can be an elastic band at the base 963 of the cap952. Or, the wrapping mechanism can include clips or Velcro aspreviously described.

The cap can include at least one speaker 954, which is at leastpartially embedded in the cap 952. When the cap 952 is worn by a user,the speaker 954 is positioned close to and facing one of the ears of theuser. The speaker 954 can, for example, be electrically connectedthrough a connector to a device 962 in a pocket 960 on the cap 952. Theelectrical connection can be through a cable 956 external to the cap952. The cable 956 also can have a connector 958 to be plugged into thedevice 962. In another embodiment, the cable 956 is embedded in the cap.The device 962 can be an asset player, such as a MP3 player, with abattery. Through the connector 958, audio signals from the device 962can be received by the speaker 954 and heard by the user. There can beone or more additional pockets on the night cap for one or moreadditional electrical components. When worn, the night cap does not haveto cover the eyes of the user. In yet another embodiment, when worn, thenight cap further covers the eyes of the user, as shown in FIG. 19. Inone embodiment, the embodiment 950 further includes padding in thevicinity of an electrical component to serve as a buffer or cushionbetween the user and the electrical component.

A number of embodiments have been described involving a speaker in aneyemask or a night cap. In one embodiment, the audio output from thespeaker can serve to cancel the environmental sounds in the vicinity ofthe user. For example, if the user is on an airplane, the surroundingenvironmental sound has a relatively high level of white noise. Thiswhite noise can be detected by a pickup device and cancelled by noisecancellation circuitry provided within the eyemask or night cap. Namely,the audio output from the speaker serves to cancel the white noise ofthe user's environment. In another embodiment, the electrical componentembedded or partially embedded is not a speaker, but can be a sensor,which can sense a physiological function of the user.

FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a temple 1000 having a slot forreceiving a removable electronic device 1002 according to one embodimentof the invention. In one example, the removable electronic device 1002can be a memory storage device, sometimes referred to as a memory card.As shown in FIG. 20A, the removable electronic device 1002 is insertedinto the slot. Although the slot could be electrically non-functional,typically the slot provides an avenue for the removable electronicdevice 1002 to be physically and electrically connected to electricalcircuitry within the temple 1000 or elsewhere within the eyeglass frame.FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating the temple 1000 having a recessedlower portion 1004 according to another embodiment of the invention. Therecessed lower portion 1004 facilitates the insertion and removal of theremovable electronic device 1002. In either embodiment, the removableelectronic device can be manually inserted and removed or can use morecomplicated mechanical mechanisms to assist with the insertion andremoval (e.g., spring-based push and release structure).

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams illustrating a pair of glasses 2100having a camera 2101 coupled thereto, according to one embodiment. Thecamera includes an image sensor 2102 and a camera housing 2106 (alsoreferred to as a camera support arm). In this embodiment, the camera2101 is rotatably coupled to an exterior surface of a temple 2104 of thepair of glasses 2100. The camera support arm 2106 is attached to thetemple 2104. The camera support arm 2106 can couple to the temple 2104using a hinge 2108. In one implementation, the hinge 2108 can use aspring or cam mechanism so that the camera support arm 2106 is heldeither against the temple 2104 when not in use or held in an open orextended position when in use. FIG. 21A illustrates one position of thecamera support arm 2106 when the camera 2101 is not in use. FIG. 21Billustrates one position of the camera support arm 2106 when the camera2101 is in use. The presence of the camera 2101 with the pair ofeyeglasses 2100 enables a wearer of the pair of eyeglasses 2100 to takepictures of what the wearer is looking at. It should be noted that othersupporting circuitry such as data storage for pictures, switches,battery, and electronics for the camera 2101 can be in the temple 2104,in the camera support arm 2106, elsewhere in the pair of glasses 2100,or even tethered thereto. However, in one implementation, the camera2101 is completely self-contained in the camera housing 2106. In oneembodiment, the hinge 2108 can also serve as a switch to turn the imagesensor 2102 on or off.

In one implementation, to improve overall appearance of the pair ofglasses 2100, the temple 2100 can provide a recess for receiving thecamera support arm 2106 when the camera is not being utilized. Such mayimprove the aesthetic appearance of the pair of glasses 2100.

In another implementation, the pair of glasses 2100 can further providea viewfinder. The viewfinder can assist the user in directing the imagesensor 2102 towards whenever the user desired to photograph. Theviewfinder can be a separate apparatus that is extended by user actionor can be a viewfinder that is visually present or presented on one ofthe lenses. In one example, the viewfinder can be an extendable viewerthrough which the user can look through to determine the field ofreference of the image sensor 2102. The viewfinder can be extendiblefrom either of the temples, such as in a telescoping, sliding orflipping action. Additionally, when the camera support arm 2106 isextended, a viewfinder can be automatically initiated. For example,indicators on one of the lens can be visually presented, such as throughoptical projection from one or more light sources. In anotherembodiment, the viewfinder can be always present, such as withindicators on one of the lens of the pair of glasses 2100. Theindicators can be a few faint dots to define an area (e.g., a square) onthe lens.

In one embodiment, the camera support arm (camera housing) 2106 isremovably coupled to the hinge 2108. As such, the camera 2101 can beremoved from or attached to the pair of glasses 2100. Indeed, the camerasupport arm (camera housing) 2106 can be a camera body that houseselectronics for the camera 2101. In such case, the camera 2101 canoperate as a camera apart from the pair of glasses 2100.

In one implementation, the camera support arm 2106 has a connector andthe hinge 2108 has a counterpart connector. In one example, theconnectors are peripheral bus connectors, such as USB connectors. Insuch case, the camera support arm 2106 can be attached and removed fromthe pair of glasses 2100. Such a connection via the connectors can beelectrically functional or non-functional. If functional, electricalcomponents in the pair of glasses 2100 can be electrically connected toelectrical components in the camera 2101.

Still further, in one embodiment, the connector at the end of the hinge2108 enables connection of a variety of different peripheral devices tothe pair of glasses 2100. For example, the different peripheral devices(portable electronic devices) can be the camera, a memory card, or amedia player. In one embodiment, electrical components integral with thepair of glasses 2100 can be shared by the different peripheralcomponents. The hinge 2108 is not necessary in other embodiments, seeFIGS. 8F-8H, where a connector is attached or integral with a temple ofa pair of glasses. If desired, the camera 2101 or other peripheraldevices can include in its structure a hinge or other mechanism topermit positioning the camera or other peripheral devices.

In still another embodiment, an angled or hinged adapter can be insertedbetween a connector attached to the pair of glasses 2100 and a connectorof the camera 2101 or other peripheral devices. The adapter can beelectrically functional or non-functional.

In yet in another embodiment, a pair of glasses functioning as a headsetwith a speaker and a microphone further includes a camera. FIG. 22 is adiagram of a pair of glasses 2200 having a camera according to oneembodiment of the invention. The glasses 2200 include a temple 2205 thathas a microphone 2204, a speaker 2206 and a camera 2208 with a connector2210. The connector 2210 is for connecting, for example, to anotherelectronic device that provides at least one of data or informationtransfer capabilities or a power source for the glasses.

In one embodiment, the camera 2208 is a digital camera with an on/offswitch 2212. For example, the camera 2208 is a CCD camera including aCCD controller coupled to a CCD chip to capture images, a CCD memorydevice and a lens.

In one embodiment, with the connector 2210 connected to anotherelectronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device), when the switch2212 is pushed on, the CCD chip takes a picture. The charges in the CCDchip are digitized and transmitted through the connector 2210 to theother electronic device, under the management of the controller. Atleast some of the charges can be temporarily stored in the CCD memorydevice, for example, to accommodate the differences in speed in takingpictures and sending the pictures to the portable device through theconnector. In this embodiment, images can be stored at the otherelectronic device. In another embodiment, the glasses can includesufficient data storage capabilities to store the pictures, at leastuntil transferred to another electronic device.

In one embodiment, the glasses do not offer focusing capability. The CCDchip can be located, for example, at the focal point of the lens. Inanother embodiment, there is an image distance control knob. Forexample, a mechanical lever can be pre-programmed or pre-set to move thelens to one or more different positions. In one implementation, therecan be just two positions. One position can be for close-up shots andanother for distance shots, such as close-up being about 2 ft from thelens and the distant being about 6 ft away; or close-up being about 8inches away and distant being about 2 ft away.

FIG. 22 shows one embodiment regarding the location of the camera 2208at the end of the temple or arm 2205 of the glasses 2200 next to thehinge. The lens of the camera faces forward. In this situation, what theuser sees is substantially what the captured image would be. In otherwords, in a general sense, what the user sees through the glasses iswhat the user gets, without the need for an additional view finder. Withsuch an embodiment, it is relatively easy for a user to take pictures,hands-free, without the need for an additional strap for holding thecamera.

The connector 2210 at the end of the glasses 2200 can be, for example, a4-terminal connector, one for ground, one for power and the other twofor transmit and receive signals. In another embodiment, the connector2210 can be a 3-terminal connector, with the power line and one of thesignal lines sharing one terminal.

Regarding the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the speaker 2206 can be inthe glasses, with a tube 2216 and an ear bud 2218, to help bring audiosignals to the user. In one embodiment, the tube 2216 can be rotated atits end where it connects to the glasses. In another embodiment, thespeaker 2206 can be provided at the ear bud 2218.

In one embodiment, the CCD chip with the CCD memory device and the CCDcontroller are on the same integrated circuit.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 22 also includes a microphone 2204. In oneembodiment, the CCD memory device also stores audio signals from themicrophone 2204. For example, the memory device stores a duration oftime, such as the last 15 seconds, of audio signals. When the user takesa picture, a duration of time before taking the picture, such as theprevious 15 seconds, audio signals can be coupled to the picture.Another duration of time after taking the picture, such as the next 10seconds, of audio signals can also be coupled to the picture. In oneembodiment, the audio picked up can include environmental sounds presentat that time. The audio signals or the digitized version of the audiosignals can also be transmitted to the other electronic device with thecorresponding picture. In the future, if the user wants to view thepicture, the audio signals can be played with the picture at the sametime. As another example, the user can provide an auditory annotation tothe pictures being taken. Here, the user can leave a specific audiomessage to be associated with the picture. For example, the user mighttake a picture of his childhood home and record an audio annotation,“This is where I grew up”.

In one embodiment, a pair of glasses functions as a headset with aspeaker, a microphone and a camera. The pair of glasses can be coupledto another electronic device through a connector of the glasses.Additional electrical components, such as those in the other electronicdevice, like a portable device, for the glasses can be incorporated inthe glasses. For example, the power source can also be in the glassesand the glasses do not have to include a connector. In one embodiment,the glasses include non-volatile memory to store at least a number ofpictures. In another embodiment, the glasses further include a connectorto receive a memory card, such as a flash memory device. The card can bea standard memory card with a USB connector. Pictures taken can bestored in the removable memory card.

In yet another embodiment for the glasses with a camera, the glasses donot include a speaker or a microphone. The glasses include a temple thathas a CCD controller coupled to a CCD chip, a CCD memory device and alens. The temple also includes an on/off switch with a connector. Theconnector is for connecting, for example, to a portable device thatincludes at least a power source for the camera.

In still another embodiment, an auditory feedback by a speaker isprovided or coupled to a pair of glasses. For example, a clicking or“snapshot” sound can be output when a picture is taken (such as when auser initiates the picture taking).

Additional disclosure on camera in glasses can be found in U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/583,169, filed on Jun. 22, 2004, which ishereby incorporated by reference.

A number of electrical components have been described. They can be oncircuit boards, which can be made of flexible materials. They can be ona substrate. They can also be integrated into one or more integratedcircuits.

FIG. 23A is a diagram of a pair of glasses (i.e., eyeglass frame) 2300having a camera according to one embodiment of the invention. Theeyeglass frame 2300 illustrated in FIG. 23A includes a lens holder 2302holding a lens 2304 and a lens holder 2306 holding a lens 2308. Theeyeglass frame 2300 also includes temples 2309 and 2310. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 23A, the temple 2310 includes a camera 2312,supporting electronics 2314 and a switch (e.g., button) 2316. In oneembodiment, the camera 2312 includes a CCD chip. The camera 2312 canalso include a lens and buffer memory. In one embodiment, theelectronics 2314 illustrated in FIG. 23A can be embedded within thetemple 2310. The electronics 2314 can include at least a microcontroller(e.g., an image processor), a memory, and a battery. These electronics2314 can support the camera 2312. The eyeglass frame 2300 can furtherinclude various other electrical components. For example, the eyeglassframe 2300 can further include one or more of: a microphone, anearphone, a removable memory, a display, a clock, and a GlobalPositioning System (GPS). These electrical components can be used inconjunction with the camera 2312 or separately from the camera 2312. Thebutton 2316 enables a wearer of the eyeglass frame 2300 to turn thecamera 2312 on/off and/or to cause a picture to be taken (recorded). Forexample, by pushing the button 2316 for more than a few seconds, thecamera will be turned off. However, by pushing and releasing the button2316, the camera takes a picture.

Still further, in the embodiment of the eyeglass frame 2300 shown inFIG. 23A, the eyeglass frame 2300 further includes a view finder 2318and an angled surface 2320. Other embodiments of eyeglass frames neednot include such features. Nevertheless, the view finder 2318 can assista wearer (i.e., user) of the eyeglass frame 2300 in understanding theframe of the image (picture) being captured by the camera 2312. In thisexample, the view finder 2318 is provided on the lens 2304 in a visible,yet non-distracting manner. As shown in FIG. 23A, the view finder 2318can be positioned such the wearer can direct the image (picture) to becaptured. For example, the wearer would orient their head (using theview finder 2318) to direct the camera 2312 towards the desired subject.Also, the angled surface 2320 allows mounting the camera 2312 in anangled manner. As a result, the direction of the camera 2312 is notstraight forward but out towards the side. This facilitates the wearerin directing the camera 2312 using a single eye via the lens 2304, andmore particularly via the view finder 2318 if provided. The outwardangle from straight forward being utilized by the camera 2312 can varywith implementation. For example, the outward angle can be in the rangeof 10-70 degrees or more particularly in the range of 15-60 degrees, ormore particularly in the range of 20-40 degrees from the perpendiculardirection of the plane of a front surface of the eyeglass frame 2300. Inone embodiment, with the camera positioned at an angle, the lens holder2302 would not block the field of view of the camera even with thecamera being positioned at a distance behind the lens holder 2302.

Although the camera 2312 is provided on the left side of the pair ofglasses 2300 as shown in FIG. 23A, it should be understood that thecamera could alternatively or additionally be provided on the right sideof the glasses.

FIG. 23B is a diagram of a pair of glasses (i.e., eyeglass frame) 2300′according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the eyeglass frame2300′ is similar to the eyeglass frame 2300 illustrated in FIG. 23A.However, the eyeglass frame 2300′ further includes a connector 2322 anda memory card 2324. More particularly, the temple 2310 includes a region2326 larger than the temple region shown in FIG. 23A. The larger orenlarged region can provide additional space for the connector 2322 andthe memory card 2324. The memory card 2324 can be operatively connectedelectrically to the electronics 2314 within the temple 2310 via theconnector 2322. The connector 2322 also can serve to provide a physicalconnection of the memory card 2324 to the eyeglass frame 2300. In oneembodiment, such physical connection is removable so that the memorycard 2324 can be connected to or removed from the temple 2310.Accordingly, the memory card 2324 can facilitate porting of data orinformation (e.g., pictures) from the eyeglass frame 2300′ to anotherelectronic device (e.g., computer). As an example, the connector 2322can be a USB connector or other peripheral type connector.

The eyeglass frame having a camera according to one embodiment of theinvention can further include one or more sensors. For example, the oneor more sensors can include one or more of a “being worn” sensor, amotion sensor, and a light sensor. These sensors can be used toinfluence operation of the camera provided with the eyeglass frame. Forexample, a “being worn” sensor can be used to determine whether theeyeglass frame is being worn by a user. If the eyeglass frame is notbeing worn, then the camera can be deactivated to prevent unnecessarybattery consumption and/or to prevent pictures from being taken. As anexample, if the camera is operated to automatically, periodically take apicture, then if the eyeglasses are not being worn, the automaticpicture taking process could be stopped. In one embodiment, a motionsensor can be used in a variety of ways. A motion indication canindicate a rate of activity of the user. For example, the rate ofactivity could be used to avoid taking pictures during periods of highactivity, such as rapid movements of the eyeglass frame (or thecorresponding user), or to influence image processing, such as exposurerate. As another example, the rate of activity can be used to controlthe rate pictures are taken such as in the automatic picture takingexample. In one embodiment, a light sensor can indicate the degree oflight in the vicinity of the camera. The light indication can influencethe image processing, such as exposure rate of the camera.

In one embodiment, in an automatic picture taking example, the location,time or device resources (e.g., available memory) can also be used tocontrol the rate pictures are taken. Also, the ability of the eyeglassframe to know or acquire time and/or location information (such as thelocation of the eyeglass frame or the corresponding user) can enablepictures taken by the camera to be stored along with time and/orlocation indications.

The eyeglass frame having a camera according to one embodiment of theinvention can further include a global positioning system (GPS). Theinformation from the GPS can be used to alter configuration settingsand/or influence operation of the camera. For example, the configurationsettings can be different at night versus during daytime or can bedifferent depending on time or location. As another example, the cameracan take pictures depending on location. In one implementation, thecamera can automatically take pictures dependent on a change inlocation. For example, after taking a picture, the camera can take asubsequent picture when the change in location exceeds a predeterminedthreshold.

In one embodiment, the camera utilized in the various embodiments is adigital camera, namely, a digital image capture device. The camera canbe a still camera or a motion camera (i.e., video camera). The cameracan be designed for manual focusing, auto-focusing, or predeterminedfixed focusing. The camera can also support a wide angle or panoramicview.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a pair of eyeglasses (i.e., eyeglass frame)2400 according to another embodiment of the invention. The eyeglasses2400 include a lens holder 2402 for a lens 2404. The lens holder 2402 isfor the left side of the eyeglasses 2400. A bridge 2406 couples the lensholder 2402 to another lens holder for the right side of the eyeglasses.In this embodiment, the lens 2404 and the lens holder 2402 extendsubstantially around the side and are sometimes referred to as“wrap-around” type frames. The eyeglasses 2400 include a temple having aforward temple portion 2408 and a rearward temple portion 2410.Typically, the lens holder 2402, the temple 2406, the forward templeportion 2408 and the rearward temple portion 2410 are integrally formedas a single structure. The eyeglasses 2400 also support audio output toa wearer of the eyeglasses 2400. To support audio, the eyeglasses 2400include an ear bud 2412, which serves as a speaker, and an extension arm2414. In this embodiment, the extension arm 2414 couples the ear bud2412 to the forward temple portion 2408. The extension arm 2414 can bepliable so that the wearer can adjust the position of the ear bud 2412.In further support of audio, the eyeglasses 2400 couple to a cable 2416.The cable 2416 provides audio signals to the ear bud 2412 via at leastone electrical conductor extending through the cable 2416 and theextension arm 2414 to the ear bud 2412. In one implementation, one endof the cable 2416 has a connector 2418 and the other end is integralwith or connected to the forward temple portion 2408. The connector 2418can connect to a media output device, such as a portable media player(e.g., radio, MP3 player, CD player, etc.). In another implementation,the cable 2416 can have a connector, such as a plug, that connects to ajack 2420 embedded in the forward temple portion 2408, thereby allowingthe cable 2416 to detach from the eyeglasses 2400. Alternatively, thecable 2416 can directly connect to the media output device without theuse of the connector 2418. Optionally, the eyeglasses 2400 can alsosupport audio input by providing a microphone with the eyeglasses 2400.In one embodiment, with a microphone, the eyeglasses 2400 serve as aheadset for a phone.

Regardless of the electrical components being utilized with the eyeglassframes, it may be desirable for the eyeglass frames to be substantiallybalanced in weight. In the event that electrical components are attachedand/or at least partially embedded in one of the temples of the eyeglassframe, the other of the temples can include other electrical componentsor even a counter weight so that the eyeglass frame can be substantiallybalanced.

FIG. 25 shows one embodiment of the present invention. The embodimentincludes a pair of glasses 3010 with a first lens holder 3012 and asecond lens holder 3014. Both lens holders are for receiving lenses. Thefirst lens holder 3012 has a first side and a second side. The secondlens holder 3014 also has a first side and a second side. The pair ofglasses has a bridge element 3016. The bridge element is coupled to thefirst side of the first lens holder 3012 and the second side of thesecond lens holder 3014. In one embodiment, the lens holders and thebridge element are not separate pieces, but are an integral piece.

The pair of glasses 3010 also includes a first temple 3016 and a secondtemple 3018. The first temple 3016 is pivotally secured to the secondside of the first lens holder 3012 through a joint 3020. And, the secondtemple 3018 is pivotally secured to the first side of the second lensholder 3014 through another joint 3022. The glasses 3010 further includea speaker 3024, a power source 3026 and a switch 3028. The speaker 3024is powered by the power source 3026, and the switch 3028 is used to turnthe speaker 3024 on and off. The pair of glasses 3010 can deliverinformation through the speaker 3024 to the wearer or user of theglasses 3010. In one embodiment, the information is available for aduration of time. With the speaker 3024 close to at least one of ears ofthe wearer of the glasses 3010, the information provided to the user canbe provided in a relatively private manner.

In different embodiments, the glasses 3010 can be a pair of sunglasses,fit-over glasses, prescription glasses or other types of glasses. In anumber of embodiments, the frames of the glasses have more surface areathan frames with minimal structure, such as those frames with lensesconnected together by wires. For example, the temples of the glasses canhave a tapered profile. Each of the temples is wider or broader when itis close to its corresponding joint. In one embodiment, the temple iswider or broader by spanning across a wider or broader arealongitudinally downward, creating a bigger surface in an orientationgenerally parallel to the side of the user's head. FIG. 25 shows anexample of such an embodiment.

In another embodiment, there can be a shield at least at one edge ofeach of the lens holders of the glasses. These shields can wrap around,or better conform to the profile of, the face of the wearer. The shieldscan be opaque. There can be transparent or translucent windows on theseshields. To illustrate, in fit-over sunglasses, when worn over a pair ofprescription glasses, such shields can go over or cover at least aportion of the pair of prescription glasses. Note that in oneembodiment, a pair of glasses does not have to include lenses.

In one embodiment, a pair of glasses is for an event. An event can beviewed from the perspective of one or more organizations sponsoring ororganizing the event. These events can be, for example, a basketballgame, a concert, or a trade show. These events are provided or sponsoredby one or more organizations or companies. In a number of embodimentswhere information is available from a speaker at a pair of glasses andthe glasses are for an event, the information made available from thespeaker is related to the event. In such embodiments, the informationcan be available for only a limited duration of time and the duration isassociated with the event, which can include some time (such as buffertime) before the event and some time after the event. When the event isover, which can include any post-event buffer time, the information willgenerally not be available.

In another embodiment, an event can be viewed from the perspective ofthe person at the event. From the perspective of the person, an eventcan be buying a product from a store. This can be considered an eventfrom the point of view of the person at the event. Typically, it has abeginning, it has an end, and there is a purpose or a theme. Theinformation is available to the person when the person is at orproximate to a location associated with the event, such as a building.When the person is away from the location, the information will not beavailable.

In one embodiment, the duration of an event is not more than a week. Inanother embodiment, the duration is not more than a day. In yet anotherembodiment, the duration of an event is not more than a few hours, suchas nine hours.

In one embodiment, there is advertising or promotional material on apair of glasses, and the material is related to an event. The materialcan be on the surface area provided by temples, shields or other areason a pair of glasses. For example, if the event is about dinosaurs inthe Jurassic period provided by an organization, there can be aBrachiosaurus printed on the glasses. The organization can use thesurface area on the glasses as places for advertisement of not only theevent, but also the organization itself. The organization can also sellsuch surface area to other companies, which can provide additionalpromotional material on the glasses.

Referring back to FIG. 25, it shows one embodiment of the inventionwhere there is a speaker 3024 in one of the temples 3018 of the glasses3010.

In one embodiment, the information is available for a duration of time,which can be short. For example, the power source 3026, which can be abattery, may not have enough power to run the speaker 3024 in its fullcapacity for a long duration. To illustrate, the battery 3026 only hasenough power to run the speaker continuously for a short duration oftime, which can be less than a few hours with the speaker 3024 at itshighest volume possible, when it is turned on by the switch 3028 in theglasses 3010. The battery 3026 can be encapsulated in the glasses 3010,such as in one of the temples 3018 of the glasses 3010. The battery 3026can be a coin battery or a AAA battery, or other types of batteries. Inone implementation, the glasses are designed such that the battery 3026is not easily replaceable by the user. The battery 3026 can be inside atemple and the temple can be sealed so that the battery 3026 istypically not replaceable without breaking the temple.

FIG. 26 shows a number of attributes regarding the applications of theglasses, such as the glasses shown in FIG. 25, according to differentembodiments of the invention.

In one embodiment, the information provided by the glasses can be drivenby an event organized by an organization 3050. For example, the user isat a football game in a stadium. The information can be related to astar player, such as his statistics, or other interesting informationregarding the team. The information can be for an event related to theevent at the stadium. For example, the user is at the Stanford Stadiumwatching the game between the Stanford and the Berkeley football teams.However, periodic update information or other types of information, suchas play-by-play information, from a game at the UCLA Stadium betweenUCLA and USC can be provided to the user. All four teams are vying forthe PAC 10 title. The user at the Stanford Stadium, who might be an UCLAfan, can hear about how the UCLA team is performing, while watching theStanford/Berkeley game.

In the embodiments where information is available from the glasses, theinformation is available hands-free. This allows the user to use both ofhis hands totally freely, for whatever other purposes the user prefers,including providing different gestures.

In the embodiments where information is available, such as through aradio, the information can be available almost instantaneously when theelectrical components in the embodiments are activated or turned on.This can be important during high intensity games. If it takes 30seconds to start the system before information is available, such downtime may not be available or tolerable during the games.

The user in an event may not be the audience or the observer of theevent. In one embodiment, the user using a pair of glasses in thepresent invention not only attends the event, the person also helps toproduce the event. For example, the event is a game, and the person is acoach of one of the teams playing in the game. Additional embodimentswill be described where a pair of glasses is coupled to a handhelddevice. The glasses provide information to the coach, who can use thehandheld device for a number of purposes, such as to track plays orcalls.

In one embodiment, the information available at a pair of glasses can beadvertising materials available during the break time of a game. Theadvertising materials can, for example, be from a company organizing orsponsoring the event, or from one of the teams in the event.

As another example, the event is an indoor event, such as an indoorconcert.

The information can be location driven 3052, which in one embodiment canbe considered as an event attended by a user when the user is at thelocation. For example, the user is in a store, with many products. Theproducts can be services. As the user moves around the store, he looksat different products. In one approach, each product is designated by anumber. By entering the specific number into the glasses or into aportable device coupled to the glasses, such as through a switch,information pertinent to the corresponding product will be available tothe user. As another example, the user can be in an exhibit hall, atrade show or in a museum. As the user strolls in the hall, informationof different exhibits is available to him. Or, the user can be walkingaround a botanical garden, and is given a virtual, unguided tour by theglasses of the different type of plants in the garden. When the usermoves away from such locations, the information will not be available.

The user can be at places where he is alone, or he does not knowanybody. He might be bored. For example, he can be in a dental officehaving his teeth cleaned. Or, he can be in a bank waiting for his turn.Different types of information can be available to him. For example, ifthe bank has a new home loan program, such information is available tohim. Again, when the user moves away from such location, the informationwill not be available.

The information can be for entertaining 3054 the user. Or, theinformation is primarily promotional 3056 in nature. The promotion canbe related to the event the user is participating, or the promotion canbe related to the location, such as the company associated with theuser's location.

The information can be in different languages 3058. For example, glasseswith a red dot provide information in English, while glasses with awhite dot provide information in Spanish. Or, there can be a switch onthe glasses that allows setting the language to that preferred by theuser.

The glasses can be given away 3060. They can be sold at a relatively lowprice 3062. Or, the glasses can be for temporarily use, such as the usercan borrow, rent or lease 3064 the glasses for a short duration of time.To track such glasses after they have been rented, each pair of glassescan have an identifier, such as a bar code. The bar code can be locatedon the inside of the glasses, such as on the inside of a temple of theglasses. In another embodiment, each pair of glasses can also oralternatively have a RFID tag, which can be wirelessly tracked. The tagcan be in a temple, such as in the vicinity of the tip of the temple, orits temple tip. A temple tip is, in general, in a region of the templesubstantially furthest away from the hinge of that temple. Theorganization responsible for renting out the glasses can ask for theuser's identity card, which can be the user's driver's license. The cardis then linked to the bar code, the RFID tag or other identifier of theglasses. When the user returns the glasses, the user can reclaim thecorresponding identity card.

Referring back to FIG. 25, the embodiment 3010 includes a speaker 3024that is at least partially embedded into the glasses. There aredifferent approaches to embed an electrical component, such as aspeaker, into different types of glasses. A number of approaches aredescribed, for example, in the various related patent application notedabove.

In one embodiment, the pair of glasses 3010 shown in FIG. 25 includes aradio, and the speaker is a part of the radio. All the electronics forthe radio are at least partially embedded in the glasses. For example,the electronics can be on a printed circuit board, and the board is inone of the temples of the glasses. Information is provided to the userthrough the radio. The radio can be an AM or a FM receiver. In oneembodiment, the receiver is pretuned to the frequencies of thetransmitter of the information. Or, before the glasses are distributed,the radio is set to receive signals from a specific frequency band. Alsothe radio may not include an external tuner or switch on the glasses forthe user to tune the radio to listen to another frequency band. Inanother embodiment, the receiver is tunable by a switch on the glassesto one or more frequencies.

The information can be information captured by a microphone or otherpickup device, and transmitted over radio frequency waves to the radio.

As to the transmitted frequencies, typically government agencies, suchas the FCC in the United States, regulate the availability of frequencyranges, particularly when the power of transmission is not low. In oneembodiment, the transmitted frequencies can be on either side of thestandard FM radio bands. They can be within the television VHF frequencyrange of 50 megahertz to 150 megahertz, or 49 to 88 MHz, or 108 to 220MHz. Selecting such frequencies can have the advantage of havingreceiver components more readily available and less expensive. But, thefrequencies selected may vary depending on costs, performance and/or FCCor other government agency requirements.

In another embodiment, the transmitted frequencies are in the CB(Citizen Band) radio band.

In yet another embodiment, the transmitted frequencies are FM-sidebands.This would allow the use of FM sideband receivers. Using such sidebandstypically would require a lease from radio stations.

In one embodiment, information is transmitted to the glasses through aWi-Fi network, or a WiMax network.

Also, the frequencies transmitted could be based on spread spectrumtechniques. In other words, though the frequencies would constantlychange, the transmitter and the receiver would be synchronized followingthe changing frequencies. In a number of countries, such embodiments donot require government license.

Information can typically reside within a few MHz. In one embodiment,the radio in the glasses is a narrow-band receiver, with a bandwidth of3-6 MHz.

In yet another embodiment, the radio can receive signals from one ofmultiple and proximate AM modulated frequencies. For example, in amuseum, information from adjacent artwork can be transmitted based onfrequencies centered at the different frequencies. The radio receiver isa broader band AM receiver, which can be a receiver non-tunable by theuser. Depending on proximity, the radio will adjust automatically tocapture the frequency of the carrier for information regarding theparticular artwork and excludes cross-talks from information regardingits immediate adjacent artworks.

Another embodiment considers the power level of the transmitted signals.If the power level of the transmitted signals is low, signals do nottravel an excessive distance beyond the transmitter of the signals. Forexample, the low power level can be between ¼ to ½ watts. Or, the lowpower level is not more than 50 milliwatts. If the transmitted powerlevel is low, it is relatively easier to meet government agencies, suchas the FCC's, guidelines. Cost and complexity of the circuitry areusually also reduced. High power transmission typically requires specialgovernment approval.

In one embodiment, the transmission path between the transmitter and thereceiver is primarily line of sight, and the information can betransmitted via, for example, infrared.

In yet another embodiment, there can be multiple transmitters. This canthen keep transmission power low even if a large or unusually shapedarea is to be covered. The corresponding radio will capture its signalsfrom the transmitters based on proximity.

In one embodiment, the frequency of the radio cannot be tuned at theglasses by the user. The frequencies are fixed upon distribution of theglasses. In another embodiment, the frequencies of interest can bechanged. For example, there can be an EPROM in the glasses that can beprogrammed. Or, one can replace a chip in the glasses to adjust thefrequencies. In yet another embodiment, there can be one or moreswitches at the glasses to change the frequencies.

A number of embodiments have been described where the glasses include aradio to receive broadcast information. In another embodiment, theinformation to be received is previously programmed or recorded within amemory device. The glasses include a player to play the informationstored in the memory device, and the player includes a speaker. Theplayer is at least partially embedded in the glasses. In one embodiment,the glasses can include the memory device with the recorded information.

The memory can be on a printed-circuit board and, for example, can storeup to 256 MB. The memory can be a built-in or removable flash memory. Inone embodiment, the glasses include one or more connectors. The memoryembedded in the glasses can be coupled to a device external to theglasses through the one or more connectors. As an example, a 256 MBflash memory is in one of the temples of a pair of glasses, and there isa USB connector at, for example, the end of that temple (close to theear) to couple to an external device or instrument.

With the storage medium embedded, the glasses can upload information inthe memory to or download information into the memory from an externaldevice, such as a computer. A user can couple the glasses into thecomputer through a connector, either directly or indirectly. Forexample, indirect coupling might use an intermediate wire between thecomputer and the glasses.

In yet another embodiment, the memory device is external to the glasses.The memory device is coupled to the glasses through a connector at theglasses. If such removable memories are deployed for an event, thememories can be rented out during the event. Again, such memories can betracked based on, for example, identifiers stored in the memories, orattached to the memories.

FIG. 27 shows some of the electrical components for a player 3100 in aglasses according to an embodiment of the invention. The player includesa speaker 3102, a data bus 3104 to facilitate data transfer among, forexample, a processor 3106, a storage device 3108, and a coder/decoder(CODEC) 3110. The processor 3106, which can be a microprocessor orcontroller, controls the operation of the player 3100. The storagedevice 3108 stores the information, which can be different types ofappropriately-formatted media data. In one example, the information isdigitally encoded audio signals. The storage device 3108 can include anumber of separate storage elements. For example, the device can be aflash memory device, or a minidisk device, and a cache, which canimprove the access time and reduce power consumption of the storagedevice 3108. The storage device 3108 typically also includes a Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), which stores programs, utilities or processes to beexecuted in a non-volatile manner. The player 3100 can also include aRAM, such as for the cache.

Once a piece of information is selected to be played, the processor 3106would supply the piece of information to the CODEC 3110, whichdecompresses the media data and produces analog output signals for thespeaker 3102. In one embodiment, the bus 3104 is also coupled to aninput/output device 3112, which would allow information to be downloadedfrom an instrument to the glasses.

There are different approaches to identify a piece of information to beplayed. In one embodiment, different pieces of information in thestorage device 3108 can be categorized, and the categorization can behierarchical, with multiple levels in the hierarchy. To illustrate,assume that there are three levels. The top level can be the name of thefootball team; the second level can be the names of the players on theteam, and the third level can be scoring statistics or other attributesof the players. The entries, such as the name of the players, can beabbreviated. There can be a control knob or switch to allow the user toscroll down entries in a level. By pushing the knob, the user selects anentry, which can lead the user to the next level. There can be an entryfor moving up a level also. In one embodiment, once an entry isselected, the identity of that entry will be announced. For example, aselected entry is about the statistics of Joe Smith. Once that entry isselected, the speaker will state, “Joe Smith statistics.” If that is theone the user wants, the user can signal his preference by, for example,pushing a switch.

In another embodiment, the information can be searched. The search canbe based on one or more key words. As an example, the information isrelated to songs. A user can search by the name of the song, the name ofthe artists or music genre. Entry for the search term can be throughvoice recognition applications in the glasses. Based on the termverbalized by the user, a song will be selected. The glasses can ask theuser if that is the song the user has selected. If the response ispositive, the song will be played. If not, the glasses will ask the userto verbalize the term again. In another embodiment, entering the searchterms is through the key pad of a portable device, wired or wirelessly,coupled to the glasses. Additional descriptions regarding having aportable device linked to a pair of glasses will be further discussedbelow.

With the speaker relatively close to at least one ear of the user, thevolume of the speaker does not have to be very high. In one embodiment,the volume of the speaker is limited, such as the maximum sound level isnot more than 60 dB. If the glasses are powered by a battery, limitingthe volume of the speaker would extend the lifetime of the battery. Sucha limit can also reduce the chance of the speaker generating audiosignals that might disturb people in the vicinity of the user. This, inturn, helps to provide information to the user in a relatively privatemanner.

In one embodiment, the glasses are powered by a battery. To extend itslifetime, the glasses include a timer. For example, if the glasses havea radio, after the radio is turned on for a preset amount of time, thetimer will turn the radio off automatically. In another embodiment, theglasses include a speaker and the timer would turn the speaker off afterthe speaker has been turned on for a preset amount of time. The presettime can be determined by the timer.

In another embodiment, the glasses are powered by other types ofsources, such as a solar cell or a fuel cell. Such other type of sourcescan be at one of temples of the glasses.

As explained, in a number of embodiments, the glasses include a switch,which typically is at least partially embedded in the glasses. Forexample, the switch can be used to turn the speaker on, or to tune thefrequency of a radio. If the glasses have two speakers, such as one oneach of the temples, there can be two switches, one on each temple tocontrol the corresponding speaker. The two speakers can be forgenerating stereo audio signals for the user. There can also be onecontrol switch for both speakers.

The switch in the glasses can have different attributes. It can beactivated by different type of forces, including mechanical, radiation,magnetic, electrical, and temperature. The switch can also be activatedremotely by a remote device. The switch can be based on one or moredetectors. The switch can have different degrees or ranges of control,such as binary, multiple discrete steps or incremental control. Theswitch can be placed at different position on the glasses, such as onthe side or top surface of a temple or at a joint. The control can takeperception into consideration, such as based on texture, height andlateral position of multiple switches.

FIG. 28 illustrates a number of forces 3150 activating the switchaccording to different embodiments of the invention. They can be basedon, for example, mechanical 3152, radiation 3154, magnetic 3156,electrical 3158, and temperature 3160.

FIG. 29 illustrates a number of mechanical forces 3152 activating theswitch according to different embodiments of the invention. Themechanical switch or sensor can be a conductive-elastomer switch 3202, amembrane switch 3204, a dome switch 3206, a relatively simple wireswitch 3208, and a roller switch 3210, such as a switch including awheel. Another type of mechanical force can be based on stress 3211,such as a switch based on piezoelectric force or a piezoelectric device.

In yet another embodiment, the mechanical switch is made so that theelectrical circuitry in the glasses can be activated but not deactivatedby the user. In other words, once activated, the switch is designed notto be deactivated by the user, and the circuit will remain on till thepower source inside the glasses is depleted. One approach to implementsuch a switch is based on a piece of insulating material 3216 between aterminal of, for example, a battery and its contact with the circuitembedded in the glasses. When the battery is installed, at least one ofits terminals is separated from its circuit contact. There can be athin, flexible, insulating material, 3216, such as a ribbon, positionedbetween the terminal and the contact. Though the circuit is embedded inthe glasses, the insulating material 3216 extends outwardly from insidethe glasses through a hole, such as a small hole, in the side wall of,for example, a temple of the glasses. In one embodiment, the hole orslot is located above or below the terminal and the contact, or the holeis not directly inline with the terminal and the contact. By pulling theinsulating material out from the glasses, the terminal will establishelectrical connection with the contact, activating the circuit andturning the speaker on.

In another embodiment of a switch based on mechanical force 3152, themechanical force is the force that is used to insert 3218 a battery intothe glasses. Once the battery is inserted, the speaker in the glasseswill be activated. The speaker will remain on until the battery isremoved, or until the power in the battery is drained.

The switch can also be activated by radiation 3154, or energies in atype of radiation, according to a number of embodiments of theinvention. The radiation 3154 can be in the optical, or infrared orultraviolet range. For example, the switch includes a photodiode orphoto sensor in the glasses, and there is an opening above thephotodiode. In one embodiment, the diode is activated by light gettingto the diode through the opening. In another embodiment, the circuit isactivated if the opening is covered to prevent light from getting to thediode.

The switch can be activated by magnetic forces 3156. For example, therecan be a magnetic sensor or a Hall effect detector inside a templeproximate to a joint of a pair of glasses. FIG. 30 shows a section of apair of glasses 3250 with such a detector 3254. The detector 3254 iselectrically connected to a printed circuit board 3255. When the temple3252 is in its extended position, as when the glasses 3250 are ready tobe worn, the detector 3254 will be directly adjacent to a magnet 3256inside a lens holder 3258 at the corresponding joint 3260. The magnet3256 would activate the Hall effect detector 3254. In anotherembodiment, a magnetic switch is activated based on changing theinductance of a coil. For example, the switch includes a steel rod thatcan be positioned in or out of a coil. The switch's range of control isbased on the position of the rod with respect to the coil.

The switch can be activated depending on electrical forces 3158. In oneembodiment, the electrical force depends on capacitive effect. Bychanging the capacitance, the switch is turned on and off. For example,the capacitance is changed by placing one's finger over a metallic pad.In another example, by changing the amount of overlap between twometallic sheets that are not in contact, the capacitance between the twometallic sheets will change. This then changes the range of control ofthe switch.

In another embodiment, the electrical force 3158 is based on resistiveeffect. For example, the switch is made up of a slide or a rotarypotentiometer. By changing the amount of coupling, the amount ofresistance is changed to reflect the range of control of the switch.

In one embodiment, the switch's activation can depend on temperature3160. For example, the switch includes a temperature sensor. When thetemperature reaches a certain point, the switch is activated.

In yet another embodiment, the switch is controlled by a remotecontroller. For example, the glasses include an infrared detector. Theremote controller can generate infrared radiation. By aiming thecontroller at the detector, the infrared radiation can activate theinfrared detector and the switch is activated. Or, if the user movesinto the vicinity of a corresponding infrared transmitter, circuits inthe glasses would be activated.

The switch can include one or more previously-described sensor ordetector of different types of forces. For example, the switch can usetwo photo sensors. One sensor is exposed to light on the outside surfaceof the temple and the other is exposed to light on the inside surface ofthe temple, such as close to the ear. Based on their differentialoutput, the switch is activated. As another example, there are twotemperature sensors in the glasses. One is located close to a joint andthe other is at the temple close to the ear. Again, the switching actiondepends on their differential outputs. In yet another embodiment, theglasses include more than one type of switch. There can be one type ofswitch, such as a mechanical switch, acting as an on/off switch, andanother, such as a switch using electrical forces, as an incrementalswitch to change frequency.

As described, in a number of embodiments, the switch can providedifferent degrees or ranges of control. In one embodiment, there are twodegrees of control, such as in an on/off switch. In another embodiment,there can be multiple discrete degrees, steps or positions. For example,the switch is a roller with discrete notches to indicate differentdiscrete positions. Or, there can be two mechanical switches, placedside-by-side. Pushing one switch will increment one step, and pushingthe other will decrement one step.

In yet another embodiment, the change from one degree to the next isgradual and not noticeably discrete. This can be achieved with 2 sensorsarranged in quadrature. FIGS. 31A-31C show examples of differentembodiments of such a switch based on two photodiodes or photodetectors.

FIG. 31A shows an embodiment 3300 with a wheel 3302 (roller) havingclear strips, 3304, 3306 and 3308, alternating with black strips, 3310,3312 and 3314, and two photodiodes, 3316 and 3318. Most of the wheel3302 and the two diodes, after incorporated into the temple 3320, arecovered by a piece of material 3322. The two diodes, 3316 and 3318, areexposed to ambient light through a clear window 3324. A part of thewheel 3302 is extended out of the temple 3320, allowing the wheel 3302to be turned about its axis 3326. The wheel 3302 can have teeth forfriction turning. As the wheel 3302 rotates about the axis 3326, basedon the differential outputs from the diodes, the direction of movementof the wheel 3302—clockwise or counterclockwise—is determined. Forexample, if the wheel 3302 is rotated clockwise, the top diode 3316senses light before the bottom 3318 senses light. On the other hand, ifthe wheel 3302 is rotated counterclockwise, the bottom diode 3318 senseslight before the top 3316. Based on the signals from the two diodes, onewould be able to tell if the wheel is being turned clockwise orcounterclockwise. Clockwise can denote increase and counterclockwise candenote decrease. This embodiment can be used, for example, to changefrequency. By turning the wheel 3302 clockwise, the frequency of theradio goes up. And, by turning the wheel 3302 counterclockwise, thefrequency goes down. Such a wheel 3302 is also applicable for otherpurposes, such as controlling the volume of a speaker.

FIG. 31B shows an embodiment 3350 with a wheel 3352 having black 3354and reflecting 3356 strips, two photodiodes, 3358 and 3360, and a LED3362. Again, most of the wheel, the two diodes and the LED are coveredby a sheet of material 3364. If a reflecting strip 3356, instead of ablack strip 3354, goes over a diode, more light from the LED will bereflected back and received by the diode. If a black strip 3354 goesover a diode, output from the diode will be significantly reduced. Againbased on the signals from the diodes, the direction of rotation can bedetermined, which, in turn, can be used to indicate incrementing ordecrementing outputs.

FIG. 31C shows an embodiment 3400 again using two photodiodes, 3402 and3404, but without a wheel. The two diodes, 3402 and 3404, are exposed toambient light unless they are covered. In this embodiment, whether thefinger 3406 or another object is moving from the first diode 3402 to thesecond diode 3404, or from the second diode 3404 to the first diode 3402can be determined based on the signals from the diodes. For example, thefinger 3406 sliding in a forward direction would trigger a signal fromthe first diode 3402 before the second diode 3404. On the other hand,sliding the finger in a backward direction would trigger a signal fromthe second diode before the first diode. Thus, the outputs from the twodiodes can show the direction of movement of the finger. One can then,for example, assign forward movement (from the first 3402 to the second3404) as increment, and backward movement (from the second 3402 to thefirst 3402) as decrement.

A switch can be placed at different location on a pair of glasses. Inone embodiment, the switch is positioned on one of the side surfaces ofone of the temples, such as the side that is not facing the face of theuser when the glasses are worn. In another embodiment, the switch ispositioned on a top surface of one of the temples. The switch 3028 shownin FIG. 25 falls under this category. In yet another embodiment, theswitch is positioned at one of the joints or hinges of the glasses. Forexample, there is a mechanical switch at a joint. If the correspondingtemple is extended, as in the position when the glasses are worn, theswitch will be pressed, which can indicate that the switch has beenactivated.

In one embodiment, the user can be using a switch when the glasses areworn. Depending on the position and the type of switch, the user may notbe able to see the switch when he is manipulating it. In one embodiment,the design of the switch takes into consideration perception. Toillustrate, there are two mechanical switches on the glasses. The topsurfaces of the two switches have different texture. One switch has asmooth surface and the other has a rough surface. Pushing the roughsurface implies incrementing one step and pushing the smooth surfaceimplies decrementing one step. This type of perception design is basedon tactile effect. In another example, the heights of the two switchesare different. The taller switch is for one effect and the shorter isfor another. In yet another embodiment, the lateral position of the twoswitches has significance. For example, the two mechanical switches areon the top surface or edge of a temple. By pushing the switch closer tothe lens holder, the volume of the speaker in the glasses goes up; andby pushing the switch further away from the lens holder, the volume ofthe speaker goes down. In another example, the two switches are underthe two ends of a piece of materials, such as a rocker-lever, which canbe plastic. Rocking the plastic piece forward is an increment motion,and rocking the plastic piece backwards is a decrement motion.

A number of embodiments have been described where information isavailable only for a relatively short duration of time. In oneembodiment, the information is available for a longer duration of time.For example, after the short duration of time, the battery in theglasses is drained. In order to continue on running the electronicsinside the glasses to get the information, the user can replace thebattery in the glasses with a new battery. In this embodiment, theglasses are designed so that the battery is replaceable by the user. Or,in another embodiment, the battery is rechargeable through a connectorat the glasses.

A number of embodiments have been described regarding the glasses with aspeaker for providing information to the user. In one embodiment, theglasses also include one or more light emitting diodes. The LEDs can befor entertaining purposes. For example, the information provided to theuser is music. If the audio signals received are beyond a certainthreshold, one or more of the LEDs will be activated. The activation ofthe one or more LEDs can then be synchronized to the sound of thespeaker. In another example, a number of LEDs could be arranged as anarray on the outside surface of one of the temples. The array coulddisplay graphics, pictures, or scrolling text. The array could also belocated at other locations on the glasses, such as across the frontsurface or the top surface of the bridge or the lens-holders of theglasses.

One embodiment of the glasses includes a specially-designed surfacetexture, such as on the outside surface of a temple of the glasses. Byscratching the surface texture, depending on its design, one cangenerate specific audio tones.

A number of embodiments have been described regarding electricalcomponents in a temple of a pair of glasses. All of the electroniccomponents can be self-contained inside the temple of the glasses. Thecomponents can be coupled to a printed circuit board. In otherembodiments, some of the components are embedded fully or partially inother areas of the glasses, such as the lens holders or the bridge ofthe glasses. Or, one or more electrical components can be in a shield ofthe glasses.

A number of embodiments have been described regarding informationavailable for a pair of glasses. In one embodiment, a pair of glassesalso includes an information input mechanism that allows its user toinput information into the glasses. Such information allows the user toprovide inputs or feedbacks.

The information input mechanism can be implemented by a switch at theglasses, such as one of the switches previously described. The userinput can be stored in the glasses if the glasses include memory storageelectrical components. The input can be wirelessly transmitted from theglasses to a remote device if the glasses include wireless transceiverelectrical components. For example, the user is at a football game, andthe referee has made a controversial call. A broadcaster at the eventcan instantaneously use such glasses to perform a simple polling. Thiscan be done by the broadcaster as part of the wireless transmission ofinformation (e.g., event information) to the wearer of the glasses.Alternatively, the broadcaster can transmit a message to the user. Inone embodiment, there can be an indicator on the glasses to indicatethat there is a message for the wearer of the glasses. The indicator canbe a LED light flashing for a few seconds, a ringing tone that rings fora few seconds, or other types of indication at the glasses. In any case,if desired, the wearer can receive the message. The message asks thewearer to push a button (an information input mechanism) at the glassesone time, if the wearer believes the call was correct, and two timesotherwise. Such input information from the glasses is then wirelesslytransmitted from the glasses and received by the broadcaster. Statisticson the responses can then be automatically performed. Such statisticscan be provided almost instantaneously to, for example, the referee.

In one embodiment, each pair of such glasses also includes an identifierthat identifies the glasses, such as an identification number. Wheninput information is transmitted from such a pair of glasses, such asback to the broadcaster, its identifier can also be transmitted togetherwith the corresponding input information.

Organizers of an event or a company affiliated with or related to theevent also can use the glasses to gather other information from thewearers of the glasses, such as the audience of the event. For example,the audience can be electronically polled regarding ways to improve onthe services they received.

The information input mechanism can include a microphone at the glasses.The organizers again can send a message to a user of a pair of suchglasses. The message can be as follows: “If you like the ways we takefood orders, say yes. If not, say no.” The voice response from the useris transmitted to the organizers. Such simple yes/no responses can beautomatically deciphered based on voice recognition mechanisms and thenautomatically tabulated for the organizers.

In one embodiment, not all of the electrical components in a number ofthe glasses previously described are in the glasses. Instead, at leastone of the electrical components, such as its power source, is in aportable device, which can also be carried by the user of the glasses.In another embodiment, a pair of glasses can function as a headset andare wired or wirelessly coupled to a portable device. The portabledevice can provide additional areas for user input, or outputs to theuser.

As an example of wireless coupling for a pair of glasses functioning asa headset, the glasses include a wireless transceiver that is based on,for example, Bluetooth, UWB, Zigbee, or other types of short-distancewireless transmission standards. Based on the transceiver, the glassesare wirelessly coupled to a corresponding portable device. Informationfrom long distances can be received by the portable device, which canthen re-transmit such information to the glasses.

As an example of wired coupling for a pair of glasses functioning as aheadset, the glasses include a connector. The connector can be used toelectrically connect to a portable device through, for example, a wire.In one embodiment, the connector at the glasses is a male connector andis located at the tip of one temple of the glasses, such as at the tipposition 3019 of the second temple 3018, shown in FIG. 25. When the maleconnector is not inserted into a female connector, the male connectorcan be covered, such as with a cap or a cover, to protect, encapsulateor shroud the connector. In one embodiment, at least a portion of theconnector is covered.

Different embodiments of glasses functioning as a headset have beendescribed in patent application, entitled, “EYEGLASSES WITH HEARINGENHANCED AND OTHER AUDIO SIGNAL-GENERATING CAPABILITIES”, which wasincorporated by reference above, and can be used with the variousembodiments described herein.

A number of embodiments have been described regarding glasses with anumber of structural elements. In one embodiment, the glasses can berimless frames. The glasses can include two lenses held together by abridge. A temple can be attached to each lens through a joint that isconnected to the corresponding lens by one or more screws. For example,there can be two screws at each lens to hold onto a temple piece, whichincludes a joint for a corresponding temple. One or more electricalcomponents can be fully or partially embedded in the glasses, such as ina temple of the glasses.

A number of embodiments have been described with glasses. In oneembodiment, a device, which is not a pair of glasses, can provideinformation to a user, where the information can be directly relevant toan event attended by the user. There can also be a user input mechanismat the device to allow the user to provide user input, including userfeedback. Different embodiments of electrical components previouslydescribed can be in the device. Advantageously, in one embodiment, thedifferent embodiments of components have minimal impact on the design ofthe end product and no tedious wiring is required. For example, in thecase in which the end product is an eyeglass frame, a temple of theeyeglass frame can have an opening, cavity or container to hold orencompass the different embodiments of components, whereby no otherchanges or complications to the eyeglass frames need be imposed. Othersuch end-products can include: hats, shoes, watches, tee-shirt,swimming-suit, key-ring, purse, beer can holder, and other consumerproducts.

The various embodiments, implementations and features of the inventionnoted above can be combined in various ways or used separately. Thoseskilled in the art will understand from the description that theinvention can be equally applied to or used in other various differentsettings with respect to various combinations, embodiments,implementations or features provided in the description herein.

A number of embodiments in the invention can be implemented in software,hardware or a combination of hardware and software. A number ofembodiments of the invention can also be embodied as computer readablecode on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is anydata storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read bya computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium includeread-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, magnetic tape, opticaldata storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable mediumcan also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so thatthe computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributedfashion.

Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will become obviousto those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced withoutthese specific details. The description and representation herein arethe common meanings used by those experienced or skilled in the art tomost effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled inthe art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components,and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring aspects of the present invention.

Also, in this specification, reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment can beincluded in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances ofthe phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor areseparate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. Further, the order of blocks in process flowcharts ordiagrams representing one or more embodiments of the invention do notinherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations inthe invention.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from a consideration of this specification or practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An eyewear for a user comprising: an eyewearframe; a first switch at the frame, the first switch having at least twooperational states, and the operational states of the switch beingconfigured to be changed by a user touching a surface of the frame,without moving any mechanical part at least partially exposed to theoutside of the frame; and a first electrical component in the frameconfigured to be electrically coupled to the first switch to perform afunction.
 2. An eyewear as recited in claim 1, wherein the first switchis configured to change its operational state based on a change incapacitive effect when the user touches the surface of the frame.
 3. Aneyewear as recited in claim 1, wherein the first switch is configured tochange its operational state based on a change in resistive effect whenthe user touches the surface of the frame.
 4. An eyewear as recited inclaim 1, wherein the first switch includes a radiation detector, andwherein the first switch is configured to change its operational statebased on a change in radiation as detected by the radiation detectorwhen the user touches the surface of the frame.
 5. An eyewear as recitedin claim 4, wherein the radiation detector is a photo detector.
 6. Aneyewear as recited in claim 1, wherein the first switch is configured tobe an on/off switch.
 7. An eyewear as recited in claim 1, wherein theeyewear frame includes two temples, one on each side of the frame, andwherein the first switch is at a side surface of one of the temples. 8.An eyewear as recited in claim 1 further comprising: a second switchhaving at least two operational states, and the operational states ofthe second switch being configured to be changed by sliding a fingeracross a surface of the frame, without moving any mechanical part atleast partially exposed to the outside of the frame; and a secondelectrical component in the frame configured to be electrically coupledto the second switch to perform another function.
 9. An eyewear asrecited in claim 8, wherein the second switch includes a plurality ofoperational states, and wherein the change from one operational state tothe next of the second switch can be gradual and not noticeably discreteby sliding the finger across the surface of the frame.
 10. An eyewear asrecited in claim 8, wherein the eyewear includes a speaker, and whereinthe second switch is configured to control the volume of the speaker.11. An eyewear as recited in claim 8, wherein the sliding has adirection, and wherein the second switch is configured to indicate thedirection of the sliding.
 12. An eyewear for a user comprising: aneyewear frame; a switch having at least two operational states, and theoperational states of the switch being configured to be changed bysliding a finger across a surface of the frame, without moving anymechanical part at least partially exposed to the outside of the frame;and an electrical component in the frame configured to be electricallycoupled to the switch to perform a function.
 13. An eyewear as recitedin claim 12, wherein the switch includes a plurality of operationalstates, and wherein the change from one operational state to the next ofthe switch can be gradual and not noticeably discrete by sliding thefinger across the surface of the frame.
 14. An eyewear as recited inclaim 12, wherein the eyewear frame includes two temples, one on eachside of the frame, and wherein the surface is a side surface of one ofthe temples.
 15. An eyewear as recited in claim 12, wherein the slidinghas a direction, and wherein the switch is configured to indicate thedirection of the sliding.
 16. An eyewear for a user comprising: aneyewear frame; electrical circuitry at least partially in the eyewearframe; and a touch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frameconfigured to provide an input to the electrical circuitry to perform afunction via touching the touch sensitive input surface.
 17. An eyewearas recited in claim 16, wherein the eyewear frame includes two temples,one on each side of the eyewear frame, and wherein the touch sensitiveinput surface is provided at one of the temples.
 18. An eyewear asrecited in claim 16, wherein the touch sensitive input surface is basedon capacitive effect where at least a capacitance is changed when thetouch sensitive input surface is touched.
 19. An eyewear as recited inclaim 16, wherein the touch sensitive input surface is based onresistive effect where at least a resistance is changed when the touchsensitive input surface is touched.
 20. An eyewear as recited in claim16, wherein the touch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame isconfigured to provide the input to the electrical circuitry to performthe function via sliding the finger across the touch sensitive inputsurface.